“Hey mom, survived another day of tail-wagging heroics. Started with a diet intervention at Bfast, played life-guard at the beach, worked as a distraction therapist for JD, and ended as Chief’s bedtime storyteller. Ready to take on tomorrow. Like they say, no capes needed when you got fur. Harry.”

Listen to the story here.

Certain days in Spencerville, I tell ya, they start with a BANG! Literally in my case, though the bang was more of a POOF. Allow me to clarify: I’m Harold, casual superhero and amateur bone connoisseur. Not your glamorous cape-wearing, super-strength, flying-through-the-air type. Nope. I use my canine charms, wolfish intellect and, well, just my pure wolf mix essence to keep the peace around these parts.

Scariest thing so far? Not cats. It’s the tailor from Canine Couture Clothing trying to squeeze me into a ten-gallon winter coat. Like I said, not glamorous.

Today, it was our usual breakfast hullabaloo at Fetch-N-Bites. As I entered, there was a collective sigh, “Ah, Harold!” Then comes the hushed whispers, the sideways glances, the unmistakable scent of anticipation; you’d think I walked onto the red carpet or something.

“Duty first,” I muttered, heading towards Pugsley who was halfway through the ‘Barkfast’ special, complete with a side of scrambled eggs. The smacking sounds were loud enough to shake East Pug Palace’s chandeliers. I locked eyes with him and whispered, “Seafood brunch special is tastier. Switch.”

Without so much a blink, Pugsley whimpered at the waiter for a swap, then sent me a grateful look. I winked back and then sauntered off, leaving behind sighs and nods of approval. It’s a rough job but who else is gonna do it?

Late morning called for some sun-soaking at Red Beagle Beach. I noticed Pepper glance over worriedly. I could tell she feared water, but I wasn’t about to let my sibling-rival miss out on the fun. With a reassuring nudge on her side, I staged a splash in the tide. Next thing you know, Pepper was prancing around in the shallow waves, howling in delight.

Post-lunch, with my circle of friends George, Betty, and Smiley, at Yappy Yogurt, I was already planning my next brave act – a visit to the dreaded Woof and Whisker Wellness Center. My ears inevitably tucked themselves flat against my skull. The anticipation of the vet. Ugh!

Yet, duty beckoned. JD had twisted his paw playing that morning. He limped dejectedly, expecting the worst. I nudged a tauntingly large chew bone towards him. Spying the treat, JD perkily forgot about his paw and eagerly set about demolishing the bone. Two chew-bones with one throw, I say. JD was distracted and his leg would get enough rest.

By night, I found myself at The Wagging Tail Bookstore. Chief, my youngest sibling, was looking forlorn. Now that was my kind of call to arms – cheering up a bro. “Bedtime story, huh?” I quirked an eyebrow at Chief, leading him towards the ‘Fairy Tails’ section.

Chief’s little eyes lit up as we picked out a fantastical adventure to read. Penelope watched it all unfold from the corner, a smile spreading at my little victory. “You’re the real superhero, Harold,” she murmured as I padded past her. I offered her a subtle wink. Superhero indeed.

So as I climbed onto my plush bed at Cream Maltese Meadow later that night, curling up after another day bringing joy to Spencerville, I yawned a sigh of satisfaction. Not to brag, but saving the day ‘Harold style’ leaves a guy utterly pooped but blissfully content.

Tomorrow beckoned with another day. More lives to brighten up, more problems to solve, more evils to banish. Bring it on, I thought, as dreams ensnared me. After all, a dog’s got a job to do. Always at the ready, your friendly neighborhood superhero – Harold!

The End.