Hey Dad, u won’t believe it! I had a paw-some night in Pawsburgh! Snuck out for adrnture, saw Zach the mastiff & Christine da vet. 😍 Ate steak & shared laughs w/ frens. Back now & ready to snuggle! 🐶 Luv, Nelson 🐾

Listen to the story here.

I woke up in the dead of night, my two-toned eyes slowly opening as I felt that irresistible urge again – the call of Pawsburgh. My human was sound asleep, so I took a deep breath, easing myself off my beloved bed and sneaking out of the house. The rules were crystal clear in Pawsburgh, and oh, how we clandestine canines loved breaking them! The sun had set, and so commenced the perfect time to escape to our secret paradise.

As I padded my meaty paws on the adventure-infused streets of Pawsburgh, my heart raced with anticipation. What lay ahead tonight? A hearty meal at Furrific Fried Chicken, or perhaps a refreshing grooming session at The Groom Room? The possibilities were endless, and I, Nelson, was here for every single one.

Approaching the Silver Siberian Summit, I spotted the unmistakable bullmastiff, Zach. His muscles rippled as he stood guard in front of the entrance, scanning his fellow dogs with his well-trained, hawk-like gaze. Zach and I shared a mutual respect, one honed during our many escapades in this marvelous town. Nodding toward me, he lifted the rope that separated Pawsburg from the mundane human world, granting me entry to the kingdom we crafted with our hearts.

I stepped into Bullmastiff Boardwalk, the cacophony of joyful barks and laughter filling my ears. This place was as vibrant as a bustling city yet encompassed the warmth of a close-knit family. Strolling on past Shih Tzu Stadium, I contemplated participating in the ongoing games and possibly winning new toys. Shoes, maybe? Ah, shoes – the forbidden fruit of the canine world.

But I favored the smaller pleasures tonight, ones that involved companionship and a hearty meal. Ascending the stairs of Bone Appetit, I couldn’t help but notice my stomach growling with hunger. I sniffed the air, determining today’s curious concoction, certainly hoping it wasn’t that particular unnamed dish that left a bad taste in my mouth, figuratively and literally.

As I nestled into my favorite corner booth, I spotted her – Christine, the veterinarian who’d saved my life on more than one occasion. Her golden fur shone like the sun, and her piercing blue eyes reminded me of the crystal-clear skies above. “Nelson! You here for the steak special?” she barked my way, sauntering over to me. My heart swelled with appreciation, seeing her playful demeanor after a hard day treating her four-legged friends.

“You know me too well, Christine! Feed me, my taste buds are twitching with anticipation,” I replied, straining to keep my drool from pooling onto the freshly cleaned floor.

As we spent the evening enjoying our beef-filled banquet, Christine filled me in on news from around Pawsburgh – tales of more innocent merriment and whimsical fun. It all seemed almost surreal, a world where dogs could break free from their routines and simply be dogs, reveling in their playful instincts. After our dinner, our group dispersed to let the night take us wherever it may, knowing full time well that the morning light would signal our return to our human lives.

As the moon dipped toward the horizon, I knew it was time to go. To leave behind Pawsburgh and all its boundless joys, to rekindle my never-ending and ever-waiting love for my human. I made a mental note to mark our favorite spots on my mental map, promising to let Nelson the English Bulldog experience them again. Yes, my dear furry friends, today was a day like no other, filled with laughter, love, and celebration in the secret town of Pawsburgh. Until we meet again.

I nuzzled Christine and Zach goodbye and shadow-stepped back towards home, taking in one last breath of the Pawsburgh air. It would be enough to last me till the next adventure.

The End.