“Hey Mom, fried chicken woke me up but drama is brewing in Spencerville. Handling Sophie’s campaign for Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Store election; it’s a dog-eat-dog world! PS. Sophie understands human politics better than most humans. Debate tonight. No tomatoes please. Too much drama already! Kisses, Sophie Girl.”

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I woke up this morning to the smell of Furrific Fried Chicken wafting up from downtown. A familiar comfort, but lately, all it recalls me to is the politics of the town. My town, Spencerville. But before I could delve into that mental hole, I had my Sophie to attend to. The girl loves her fried chicken.

“Another day, another Big Mac, my princess,” I smiled at her knowing full well that her high standing in the Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Store election was in part due to her love for people’s food.

As I held out Sophie’s morning meal, a greasy Big Mac, she let out a low growl. Not at me, oh no. Sophie wouldn’t dare. But at Howard, the delivery person just getting out of his van, his eyes focused on the towering townhouse across the park.

“The big Bulldog Bay scandal,” I muttered to Sophie, who was happily chewing on her burger. Lately, it’s the story in every pet newspaper – headlines screaming about the corruption at Bulldog Bay and how Western Fawn Pug Palace has had a role in it. Now, Howard seemed to be at the center of this political storm, his innocence overshadowed by the weight of public opinion. Paws in politics always do make for a sticky wicket.

Just as we were enjoying a little peace following Howard’s departure, along came Fat Russell and Lil Dot, wagging their tails with purpose. “Sophie! Let’s get you ready for the big debate tonight.” Seeing their eager faces, I sighed. Running the campaign for our Sophie was turning into a posthumous career.

“Let’s do this,” I proclaimed dramatically, an act that had become second nature since Sophie took her hat into this political ring. Sophie just rolled her eyes, waiting for me to get up and start the day. I then marveled at her ability to understand human moods.

As I stepped into the Tail Wagger’s Tailor with Sophie in tow, and set about picking her debate outfit, I wore my game face. This wasn’t just a debate at the K9 Kebabs; it was a fight for her legacy.

Even in voiceless companionship, I felt the weight of her expectation, and as we passed the Furrific Fried Chicken joint on our way home, Sophie paused, glancing back with a look that almost seemed…human. In those eyes, I saw hopes and dreams of a better Spencerville.

“Are you ready?” I asked. But she just wagged her tail, gnawing on her stuffed duck with gusto. It was her way of saying, ‘Bring it on.’

Surely, the sun would rise on a new Spencerville tomorrow… with a new leader, standing tall on four legs. Our Sophie, the White Bulldog from Bullmastiff Boardwalk. Only, no tomatoes please. They carry too much drama for our first lady.

The End.