“Late-night escapade with Lamb Chop led to heroic battle with the monstrous vacuum at Bark Burgers! Saved Bella from its terror – Cheers and chicken, anyone? Remember, even a one-eyed Chihuahua can have a big, brave heart! Today’s special: Broccoli (yuk!). But hey, can’t win ’em all. – Little Man.”

Listen to the story here

Here we are again, in the heart of Pawsburg, and the sun was just about to rise over Labradoodle Lake. There was a certain tranquility that usually indicates that all the dogs are still in their respective houses, dreaming about their next adventure. Apart from me, Baxter. Oh, and Lamb Chop, of course. We are night owls, prefer the company of the stars and the moon, at least when Mom isn’t around.

“Lamb Chop, do you smell that?” I asked cautiously. There it was, the distinct aroma of chicken wafting from Bark Burgers. How can anyone resist that? Not me, that’s for sure. Love the crispy edges, falls right off the bone, mashed with spices that- oh, sorry, got lost there for a moment.

We rushed towards the heavenly scent, forget the freezing wind nipping at us, forget the fact that I can only see half of what I’m supposed to. That smell was divine. Guess, the stomach rules the heart and the head – in any species, man or beast.

Meeting Bau and Bella at Bark Burgers was a daily routine that wasn’t to be interrupted. Yet, today there was an unexpected guest. Poor Bella was running like a woman possessed, her tail between her legs, looking for a place to hide. And there, right behind her was the villain of our little comedy. A miniature vacuum cleaner. Yes, a vacuum cleaner. Someone had the audacity to bring a vacuum cleaner to Pawsburg!

My fur stood on end; my heart pounded like a drum as I watched it race across the yard. But I knew I couldn’t let that awful thing terrorize Bella like that. Now, you might be wondering, a vacuum cleaner, really, Baxter? But put yourself in my paws. It’s a monstrous contraption that devours anything, with no mercy at all. A hero’s got to do what a hero’s got to do.

Summoning all my courage, I ran towards Bella, muffling a slight whimper as my paws skid across the icy path. My memories of all the past noise and confusion those horrendous machines created, fueled my resolve. I knew I had to put an end to this menace.

I hopped bravely onto that oversized bane, emitting my signature one-eyed glare. The vacuum came to a halt as if stunned by the sheer force of fur power. A collective gasp ran through the crowd, barking started, and everyone cheered on. I was their hero.

I stepped down, and Bella ran towards me, wagging her tail and jumping in excitement. “You’re my hero, Baxter!” she barked, as the entire crowd chorused in approval.

Moral of my episode? One-eyed, timid, vacuum-fearing Chihuahua saves the Pomeranian princess from the terror of a mechanical monster, effectively causing broccoli to taste…still terrible. But hey, every day can’t be a chicken day, can it?

The End.