Hey Dad,

Guess what? I’m the secret heroine of a hidden doggy kingdom called Pawsburg! Every Sunday night, I sneak away to join epic celebrations like the Grand Pawstice. I’m friends with wise old Rico, the playful pup Jerry, and even a sarcastic cat named Big Cat. We enjoy Pupcakes, mellow tunes, and countless adventures. Then I sneak back home before El Presidente wakes up. Life’s a grand, furry tale!

Love,
Peaches 🐾

I always looked forward to Sunday nights in Pawsburg. It was a wonderland where “dogs only” was the rule, and the watchful eyes of humans simply never reached. Every time El Presidente would settle into his favorite armchair, I’d give him my trademark nose-nudge, then race off to my hideaway. Though he didn’t know about Pawsburg, my dad—always the perceptive human—seemed to understand that I had some sort of secret life.

Tonight, the Grand Pawstice was in full swing—a celebration to honor the ancient Canine Code that bound us as one pack. I sauntered through Dachshund Dale, my light and dark brown coat gleaming in the moonlight, my black nose twitching with the scent of fresh, mouth-watering treats. Barker’s Bakery was a hub of activity, with dogs of all sizes gathering to taste the famous Pupcakes. Funny to think a place like this existed, hidden from humans but vibrant and very much alive.

“Hey, Rico!” I barked upon spotting the golden oldie ambling towards me. His eyes sparkled with a blend of wisdom and forgetfulness, and he managed a grin.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Peaches, the peachy princess herself!” He chuckled.

“How’s the memory holding up, old chap?” I teased, nudging him gently with my shoulder. It was an inside joke, a nod to Rico’s perpetual confusion about where he’d left his chew toys.

Rico’s rheumy eyes twinkled. “Better with every Pupcake!” he said, tossing a treat into his mouth with commendable flair.

Our stroll led us to Mastiff Meadows, a vast expanse where pups played freely. There stood Jerry, the forever-young Doberman puppy, chasing his tail in earnest circles. Even from afar, you could tell he still had much to learn about things like potty breaks, or how not to get tangled in his own legs.

“Jerry, give it a rest!” I called out, amused.

“Yes, Miss Peaches!” he panted, finally plopping down at my feet. “One day, I’ll catch it.”

Next stop was The Barking Boutique, where Blake the tan mutt strummed his guitar lazily, filling the air with mellow tunes that somehow quieted the chaos. Familiar melodies untangled thoughts as Blake’s scratchy vocals faded into the background chatter. Only Big Cat could interrupt such tranquil idleness, prancing in with all his feline swagger.

“Another musically ‘mewtiful’ night, huh, Blake?” Big Cat remarked with hearty sarcasm, earning a playful snarl from the mutt.

I shook my head, caught in the gentle banter, caught in the calm before the storm. No sooner had I sunk into the mists of melodious comfort than the scent of Minah meat wafted over from the Canine Kabobs. Rico certainly wasn’t planning on sparing me, pushing a plateful under my nose with hopeful eyes.

“Oh, no thank you,” I said, my light brown cheeks puffing as I turned away with a wrinkle of my snout. “Once was enough.”

Talk then turned to sunbathing, the best spots discovered during our separate jaunts. Each tale seemed like a bead on a necklace, linking our adventures in one continuous loop. My happy place—be it catching a pizza bite when El Presidente wasn’t looking or basking on our porch—never dimmed in their retellings.

The night crept in further, but the dog-friendly luminaries of Quartz Qimmiq Quarter shed softer hues, reminding us that our playtime had a curfew. Pawsburg demanded it. Slipping away meant just enough time to make memories and return to our humans as the loyal, “normal” dogs they knew.

“Back to the grind, eh Peaches?” Rico said, slapping me a goodnight paw as I took one last longing glance at Pawsburg.

“Until next time, old friend,” I replied, and with a wag of my tail, transported back to my porch just as El Presidente drifted into a deeper sleep. Curling up against him, I sighed in contentment. More adventures awaited, and they’d always begin and end with us, my Pawsburg family, all held close in my light and dark brown heart.

And so, I dozed off, knowing tomorrow wouldn’t be just a whisper of today, but another story yet to unfold.

The End.