“Hey Mom, it’s Mercedes (or Mo Mo, for you). Just a quick update: I’ve taken on the lead singing role in Pawsburg’s first ever band – The Pawtastics. The reception is pretty fetch-mazing. Full de-tails when we see each other. Love, Mercedes (your band’s leading lady).”

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Let’s paint our stage here, with the moon perched high above in the inky blanket of the universe, twinkling stars enveloping the sleepy human town. Now, twirl your gaze towards Pawsburg, the nocturnal playground of our furry heroes. Springing to life in the shadows of humanity’s oblivion, Pawsburg was more than just a late-night escapade for Mercedes and her paw-peer, Toyota.

Mercedes, the ginger bulldog firebrand, and Toyota, her grey Frenchie acquaintance from the quiet street corner, used to pack their nightly escapades with a whole lot of pranks and a dash of adventure. Patrolling neighbourhoods was a norm, making secret stops at Pupperoni Pizza joint, a ritual.

Their favorite hangout spots? The Chow Hound Cafe and The Woofy Bakery. I remember the twinkle in Mercedes’ eyes as she surreptitiously wolfed down a bowl of leftover spaghetti and meatballs. That bulldog loved her Italian! And don’t even get me started on her love for French fries. Fluffy potatoes deep-fried to perfection, she once confessed, reminiscing the fallen comrades she’d chomped away in the confines of the human world.

You see, our Mercedes may not be a fan of dog toys but bonding over food and pulling Toyota’s leg were high on her list of enjoyments. Every evening as the human world dipped into slumber, Mercedes would meet Toyota at their designated hideaway. From there, they would sneak off to Pawsburg for their nightly shenanigans.

One day, while they were sniffing around their fabled town, their ears picked up a rhythm, a melody if you will, wavering in the air from the direction of the Corgi Castle. Intrigued by the unfamiliar sound, they followed their curiosity only to stumble upon an open stage. A school function, they deduced watching the four legged crowd of pups clapping and cheering.

A brilliant idea struck Mercedes. She envisage Pawsburg’s first ever Band – The Pawtastics. Toyota, the pragmatic one, scoffed at her idea. After all, who had ever heard of a dog Band? But Mercedes, stubborn as she was, wasn’t one to back down. Her favorite phrase ’If a human can do it, why can’t a dog?’ presented a solid shut-up call. Eventually, Toyota gave in, his only condition being that he would not play any instrument. Mercedes was thrilled at his acceptance.

The Pawtastics, started rehearsing. They faced countless derisive barks, occasional laughter and uncalled for howls echoing across Pawsburg. Yet, out of chaos sprung creativity and they perfected their tunes with the help of an old harmonica and a good deal of unflagging spirit.

All the skepticism suddenly vanished on the night of their debut performance. Mercedes as the lead singer and from behind, Toyota banging on makeshift drums set the stage on fire. As Pawsburg cheered for them, even Toyota, the cynic, sported a victorious grin while Mercedes, bathing in the applause, enjoyed her finest French fry moment.

In the silent nights of human towns, under the soft glow of the moon, Pawsburg echoed with the tunes of The Pawtastics. And, back in our world, a faint, rhythmic thumping was attributed to the paranormal or the mice in the walls.

Just as promised, they made it big. They turned skeptics into fans and fear into fortitude. After all, they were not just any band. They were Mercedes and Toyota, founding members of The Pawtastics, Pawsburg’s first ever Pet School Band. This is not where our story ends, though. It is where it begins, every night, after the lights in the human world dim and the stage lights of Pawsburg gleam.

The End.

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