“Hey Mom, just another day on the job! Solved the big peanut butter jar mystery, got hailed a hero, and still found time to race down Husky Hill. Oh, and Daphne can rest easy tonight. Leaping into lunch now, then back on the paw-trol. See you soon, Little Man.”

Listen to the story here.

As dawn pierced Spencerville, I snapped to attention, my ears perked up in perfect Chihuahua style, and my tail wagging like an energetic conductor’s baton. Today was not just any day – no siree, Bob – it was another day at work, another mystery to solve, another case to crack.

In this almost perfect town, where we live joyously, our hearts eternally hitched to our humans in wait for our inevitable reunion, the hustle and bustle seeped into every corner. I could practically taste the tantalizing aroma of K9 Kebabs from across the street, but my duty called. Looking at the furry, two-headed sea monster toy lying beside me, the crinkly sounds of which rang the sweet melody of playtime that I yearned for, I reminded myself, “Jasper, duty first.”

Checking out Fetch! Toys and Treats, the first stop on my daily round, I observed an unusual number of mutts sniffing around The Furry Friends Art Gallery, sinking into the age-old discussions of visual aesthetics among canines. Why were they all diverted? Quick as a flash, I took off, bounding up to Northern Choco Chihuahua Castle and back down Husky Hill, my lean body creating a white and black blur. Oh, how much I loved these runs – faster than the cars I so loved to ride in, faster than the waves I feared.

Arriving at Canine Couture Clothing, my deep brown eyes spotted what seemed like an odd shape under one of the clothing racks. From my stance, I observed the object – a small jar. Could it be? Yes, indeed, it was the missing peanut butter jar! The same notorious jar that unfailingly sent my poor Daphne, my faithful beagle sister, into panic each time it vanished. This time from Mr. Barker’s pantry, creating a neighborhood uproar.

As quickly as I had bounded away, I returned, victorious jar in my mouth, tail wagging to the beats of my success. My return sent obedient waves of hush through the huddled mutts. With as much grace as I could muster, I walked up, plonking the jar squarely amidst them.

“Case closed,” I said, my tiny tongue poking out, a sure sign of my contentment. The crowd erupted into cheers, lauding their famed detective. But even among the rising cheer and nervous giggles, I was already thinking about my next case, the next exciting puzzle to solve.

Loud cheers erupted but soon were replaced by low growls and whines signaling lunchtime over at Bone Appetit. Dinner for most, of course, but this pet detective – he gets his jerky reward first. Back to duty once refueled; there are still mysteries to solve before I nap.

The End.