Hey fam,

Just a quick update from your favorite four-legged jester, Leo. I’ve been moonlighting as Santa Paws in Spencerville, doling out gifts and guffaws with a bark that jingles all the way. Think of me as a tailless beacon of holiday cheer in a Santa suit. 🎅🐾 Hearts warmed, bellies filled, and don’t tell the kitties, but the big red costume totally brought out my eyes. Missing you heaps—looking forward to dreaming of cheese-topped feasts beside you soon.

Licks and wags,
Leo (a.k.a. Kiki-boo) 🐶💕🎄

Listen to the story here

Okay, picture this: I’m padding through the cobblestone streets of Spencerville — you know, that nearly perfect place where every fire hydrant is a masterpiece and every lamppost is a beacon of endless scent stories. And here I am, Leo, the proud, tailless Pitbull mix, with a nose for adventure and a heart full of loyalty, especially to my squeeze toy confidante, Smiley Face.

So, get this… it’s that tail-wagging time of year again. I can tell because faux snow starts appearing by the bowlful at every corner and the scent of pine mingles with delicious aromas wafting from Yappy Yogurt and Fur Tacos.

Now, I’ve never been much for tinsel — it’s a flavor that does nothing for me, unlike a slice of cheesy pizza heaven. I mean, let’s keep our priorities straight, right? But things are about to get interesting because Sammy whispers to me one crisp morning, “Leo, dude, Santa Paws is coming to town!”

Sure, I’ve got the Santa gig down: the ‘ho-ho-hos,’ the generous belly (courtesy of an extra slice or two), and I never shy away from a costume. But actually _being_ Santa Paws? That’s like, next-level responsibility. I picture my noble stance, somehow made nobler by a suit of red, and a bag brimming with treats and toys.

The thing is, everyone at North Chihuahua Castle is expecting the Big Guy, and who am I to let them down? With Max by my side, emitting that big-bro vibe that says, “We’ve got this,” we set off on a mission filled with holiday spirit and playful shenanigans.

Through the bustling streets and past The Fetching Feline Emporium, we rehearse our list: Kibbles for Kiki, rubber balls for Bruno, and a new scratch post for that sassy Tabby who runs Pawsitively Purrfect. I’m doing the Santa thing my way, spreading joy with a swagger only a Pitbull in a Santa suit can pull off.

We get to Shih Tzu Stadium, where the main event is happening, and there’s a moment, right? I’m supposed to “ho-ho-ho”, but instead, I let out a bark so deep it could shake tinsel off trees. The pups pause, the kittens quirk their ears, but then — a chuckle here, a snicker there, and suddenly the place is bursting with laughter. This is what it’s all about: that shared secret between friends old and new, the magic of giving.

For a minute, I miss my human something fierce, and I think they’d laugh seeing their brave, tailless Leo, conquering his latest quest. Spreading joy? Nailed it.

And as the day turns to dusk, I return to my territory of preference, pull Smiley Face close, and dream of pizza slices dancing in my head. Because let’s face it, nothing says “Happy Holidays!” like a good nap after a job well done. The ear-cleaning days can wait because tonight, Spencerville sleeps with hearts a little lighter and bowls a little fuller, all thanks to Santa Paws… or, you know, yours truly.

The End.