Hi Mom! Just wanted to let you know I’ve been the best sidekick ever, helping my human friend discover new places and keeping their spirits high. Adventures, belly rubs, and lots of treats – it’s been a blast! 🐾 Love you lots! 🐶💖

– Lulu Bird

I was never one to believe in legends or supernatural tales, but that changed once I set foot—err, paw—in Spencerville. The moment I arrived, the world transformed into a realm that was simultaneously and improbably familiar and strange. You see, Spencerville is where we dogs go after we leave our favorite humans.

I am Lulu, an English bulldog of exquisite brindle and white coloring, a connoisseur of jolly balls, flamingos, and stuffed unicorns. I once lived with Bobbie Jo, my best friend and human mom. She had long hair and a warm smile that made every day feel special. Oh boy, did I love her! But after my last nap in the backyard, I found myself here, in this nearly perfect town designed just for us four-legged folks.

My first realization that I was no longer in the familiar settings of home was when I looked around Red Beagle Beach. The sand was soft and endless, and the waves lapped gently as if inviting me to a playful dance. Right away, a thought about Bobbie Jo crossed my mind, but I instinctively knew that we would meet again. There was this comforting assurance that she too had a reserved spot here, someday.

I decided to explore, my stubby legs carrying me towards Pug Palace. The name intrigued me; maybe it was some sort of prestigious club. And what do you know, it was a regal structure, complete with velvet cushions and bowls of delectable treats. My new friend Pupcake—another dog from my past life, a Shepherd mix—greeted me with an enthusiastic wag. She had arrived a year before me and knew all the best spots in Spencerville.

“You’ve got to try the cookies at Fetch-N-Bites,” Pupcake said conspiratorially, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Now, when it comes to cookies, I have a one-track mind. We hurried over, and let me tell you, it was the cookie heaven! Not overly sweet but just the right blend of crunch and chewiness, enough to make any dog whimper with delight.

As we sat outside Fetch-N-Bites, licking crumbs off our snouts, I thought about my bizarre encounters with the vacuum cleaner back home. Every time Bobbie Jo tried to clean, I’d act like I didn’t care, only to pounce on it when she least expected. It was my duty to protect the house from that roaring monster. Pupcake laughed when she heard this, reminiscing about her own mortal enemy, the lawnmower.

Over at The Dapper Dog Salon, I met Jingo, a chocolate brown pit bull mix. He and I had grown up together, romping through parks and navigating backyard adventures. In Spencerville, he had mastered the art of getting the perfect fur trim, a task I always found unnecessary but amusing.

“Lulu Bird!” he barked happily, using one of my many nicknames. “You simply must try the mud baths here. They make your coat shine like you’re ready to win Best in Show.”

Our next stop was the Canine Couture Clothing store, where Marle, a tiny black and white Chihuahua, picked out a pink tutu for me. I sighed; I was used to wearing costumes every holiday and posing for pictures that Bobbie Jo adored. Here, modeling seemed to be high fashion, with the shop clerks saying, “Oh, darling, you look absolutely fetching!”

As days turned into weeks, and weeks into what I could only describe as a joyful eternity, I lounged by East Bulldog Bay, often with a jolly ball close by. The community here was vibrant, full of loyalty, bravery, and a sense of purpose. We all knew that our humans were thinking of us, just as we thought of them.

Spencerville was magical, no doubt, but it wasn’t quite complete. I watched as new arrivals joined us, each with tales as rich and textured as mine. I missed Bobbie Jo, of course, but I knew she’d be here when the time was right. Until then, I had sand to dig, cookies to munch, and adventures to cherish.

And when that day comes, I’ll be right here, probably wiggling my butt and carrying something to her—maybe not a screwdriver this time, but definitely a token of my undying love. For now, I’m content to be Lulu Bird, the Bestie above the Restie, in this beautiful, supernatural haven called Spencerville.