“Hey Mom, all’s crazy here! Havin’ a panting party with Sophie and the gang. Our world went wonky midst a pet apocalypse in Spencerville- 101 Dalmatians meet The Walking Dead, go figure! Now seeking shelter in the Chihuahua Castle, pausing for burgers at Paws-a-latte & makeshift weapons from the Husky store. Spencerville streets are as mystifying as a hidden pill in food. Whatever, we’re rolling with it, paws on the ground. Love, Pearlie Girl.”

Listen to the storyhere.
My heart gallops as my stubby paws crumble the gravel beneath. A playlist of Panting Pearl, Slobbering Sophie, and we’re all charter members of the Poodles Out of Breath. It’s not our usual Spencerville frolic. Let me tell you, something’s cooking, and it ain’t the Chicken Casserole at the Bone Appetit.

“No fun in running,” I heave breathily to Bromo, my red and white walking fire hydrant with the patience of a potato. Lil Dot, the black sprinkle patch near my eye I privately compare to Bromo, tags along. And then there’s our honorary club member, Tuesday. Sorry, no canine and feline divide amidst apocalypse, darling.

And, pet apocalypse have the manners of an overdue dentist appointment; both choose to arrive when you least expect them. We had been having a doggone good time at Fawn Cream Maltese Meadow – I was flirting with a gorgeous kayak, the sun trying to woo me with its rays. And the next thing I knew, the world had gone wonky!

Now, under the crimson sky, we traverse along the Southern Golden Retriever River, nicknamed after an adventurous dog. Not that I appreciate the irony. I mean, how did dogs and cats end up in the thick of apocalypse, 101 Dalmations meet The Walking Dead?

Seeking refuge seemed to be the only practical wisdom in this canine-canary version of a dystopian reality show. And obviously, we flocked around The Chihuahua Castle, simply because it promises security with a pinch of royalty.

“Forget the castles, where’s the Pupsicle Palace?” Sophie’s voice startles me. Speaking of Sophie…she might only be my half-sister, but our alliance is as solid as a snout to the feeding bowl.

Companionship aside, the priorities in stream are clear: food, shelter, and a sprinkle of world saving if possible! But like that predictable plot in a horror film, trouble pursues.

Dinner time takes on a whole beastly form. Now, it’s a tug of war between delicious burgers at Paws-a-latte, or scavenging the Howling Husky Hardware Store for makeshift weapons. Chicken nuggets and apple slices provide temporary comfort, as the sanctity of Spencerville seems polluted by an eerie air of dread.

The Wagging Tail Bookstore stands solitary and sad. Written wisdom, however, serves little purpose amidst barks and bewildering chaos. Wonder if they have Tina Fey’s book to lighten the mood.

And thus, as it stands now, the streets of Spencerville, once the harmonious haven for the beloved fur babies, is now riddled with mysteries as unsolved as the pill hidden in my dinner. But, as my human mom would say, Sand beneath the claws, Pearl. I guess we’ll just have to dig in and see!