“Hey there, it’s the ‘Little man’. Got through an intense day – grand fetch game with Pawsburg’s finest & cheeky bets going round. Miss Lamb Chop threw in *some* surprises. The nerve-racking field debut at Cream Maltese Meadow gave me chills colder than Martín’s grin. Natalie tried to up her game but I shot back. Who’s nervous, huh? Giving ’em all a run worth remembering! Woof you later!”

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Ah, there I was, the one-eyed wonder, Baxter, bracing for the world’s first-ever Pawsburg Grand Fetchin’. All the town’s canine elite were being limbered up by the hushed whispers of the White Westie Woods. The woods always knew more than they said, and boy, did they have tales to bark!

One met my gaze, “Hey, Baxter,” he showed an admiration I deserved, “You ready? Heard Lamb Chop’s bidding on ya.”

My one eye twinkled, I mean Lamb Chop, bidding on lowly me? We did share the pillow quite a few times, but I had her down as a dreamer, not a bookie.

“You’re pulling my leash!” I countered with an involuntary wag of my tail, blowing my poker face.

My morning started at The Doggy Bagel Deli, grabbing breakfast on the run, the infamous chicken bagel, a real Baxter delicacy.

“Good Morning, Bax,” Natalie, the fetching feline, flicked her tail at Pet Partners Pet Supplies. She had arranged this grand sporting spectacle and seemed relaxed, as though it was just another day at work. Fishy, I tell ya.

“You nervous, handsome?” she purred.

“Paws-itively,” I whimpered, my innards shivering.

The field of play was Cream Maltese Meadow, my first public appearance. Bulldog Bay’s burly Martín, the hound from next door, stood on my corner. He growled, scenting the snow beautifully drawn in big letters. It was a sight meant to chill the soul or any Chihuahua’s spirit for that matter.

Enthusiasts flooded Chow Down Chow Chow with their knows, bets, and guesses. Dogs of all breeds convened and contemplated over fancy bowls of diet, no broccoli. Even in my nervousness, I noticed that enthusiastic nod to my infamous hatred of the green culprit.

“Not a friend in sight, Baxter?” Martín grinned menacingly, a display of gleaming teeth. A crowd had gathered, and a chill colder than the snow ran down my spine.

“Doesn’t mean I won’t play ball,” I barked back, my voice betraying less confidence than I wished. If only mom was here, or toys, or even rain…

“Nervous, Baxter?” The glamorous Natalie neared, her emerald eyes glistening with something I couldn’t quite catch.

“Who, me?” I chuckled playing it cool. “Oh, you wait and watch, Ferocious Feline. Our Lady of Victory, she’s a great dancer, but tonight, she’s with me.”

With that, I strode onto the field, weighed down by the eyes of Pawsburg but powered by my miniature heart. The one-eyed underdog was about to give ’em a ball game they’d never forget. Do you remember where you were then, partner?

The End.

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