“Hey, it’s Buddy – charmer of Pawsburg, explorer of the odd, and connoisseur of Fishy Bites. Dawn to dusk was filled with volleyball, ice cream, and a disco at the hardware store – just another day in our eccentric, enchanting town. See you for another adventure tomorrow, Pawsburg pals!”

Listen to the story here

As dawn’s first whispers adorned the rooftops, I was rolling out of Mr. Brown’s bed and taking a detour via the kitchen for a surreptitious lip-smacking nibble of the yolks that Mrs. Brown had left upon the table. Turning a sniff at Brussels sprouts and shuddering at their peculiar aroma, I would then slip unnoticed out of the backdoor onto Oak Tree Avenue.

Stepping into the golden mystery of the morning sun, I felt my old coat bristle in anticipation. You see, Pawsburg under that first light was more than just a town; it was a world of enchantment that became our very own when our humans dozed unknowing, a place replete with restful nooks, friendly faces, and, oh, of course, Fishy Bites.

That fine establishment, named for its singularly tantalizing smell of fresh Cod, was where we all gathered for our morning congress. Max was always first in line, ready with his witticisms that would make a gloomy day straighten up and dance. And Sally! Sally would hold court by the window, just a wagging tail visible above the sill.

East Bulldog Bay was all a buzz with the chitter-chatter of Pugs playing volleyball. The waters of Red Beagle Beach lapped against the shore, inviting us for a dip. Perhaps we would even venture to Beagle Beach, provided we could brave the Gauntlet of the Grumbling Greyhounds. Woe betides anyone who disturbed their nap!

The day often grew warm, and we often found ourselves slip and slide into Bark ‘n’ Roll for a taste of their refreshing Ice Cream Sundae; Vanilla for Max, Chocolate for Sally and good old Strawberry for me. A pitstop at The Snooty Snout Boutique after, we would let our tongues loll out in the heat, pausing to swap stories against the backdrop of the Pawsburg skyline.

But that day was unlike any before, a cause for consternation emerged. A strange glow hovered over The Howling Husky Hardware Store. It pulsed like a beacon in the night, conjuring images of alien beings and unwelcome horrors. The mere thought enough to make Max whimper and Sally growl. Yet, the lure of the unknown was too strong. We ventured closer, paw by tentative paw.

In the end, it turned out to be a disco ball someone had left on by mistake. How we laughed! We wagged and we howled and we twirled under its fluorescent gleam, losing ourselves in the moment, in Pawsburg under the midday sun.

That vestige of human silliness became our beacon of joy. A reminder of the captivating, intoxicating strangeness of our Pawsburg. As the sun began to retreat, tired dogs lept over fences and squeezed through dog doors, tails wagging with the memories of the day’s adventures. I returned to my bed on Oak Tree Avenue, my heart filled with love for my friends, my town, Pawsburg.

Another day would dawn soon, and with it, more adventures. Pawsburg was waiting, ready to reel once more in the tide of dogs washing ashore from their human homes. And me? I’d forever be Buddy, explorer of the strange, friend to the end, and loyal dweller of Pawsburg.

The End.