Hey paw-rents, J-here. Living it up in Spencerville with the gang, even doing some acting (Eat your heart out, Lassie). Still, miss you lots, between the belly rubs and games of fetch. Not forgetting those tasty cheese tasks (My heart whimpers just thinking about them). But don’t worry, I know we’ll reunite soon. Till then, keep my bandana warm for me. Bark later, J-Dawg 🐾

Listen to the story here

As I trudged into Spencerville one sunny afternoon, I was drawn by the chorus of excited barks that led me straight to the outskirts of Upper Collie Canyon. Upon a curious investigation, I found myself face-to-face with none other than our affable friend Jethro, the beloved English Bulldog.

Jethro wasn’t alone. His merry companions, both of the feline and canine kind, were rallying around him. Evidently, there was something of an amusing commotion. In the spirit of human-like existence in Spencerville, I understood these creatures were up to their own form of fun.

And what an unusual, yet heartwarming sight met my eyes! Jethro, with his distinctive colors and an intriguing ear combination that marked every Bulldog’s envy, was staging an animated play with his Jolly ball and some stuffed animal contestants. His favourite stuffies, I reckon. They orchestrated a performance worthy of any Broadway spectacle, making passers-by halt in their tracks, their feathered or furry faces aglow with joy.

However, amidst all this joyous hullabaloo, one could see, quite clearly, that Jethro was nursing something more than the winning cheese from Whiskers and Wings in his eyes. Even as he reveled with his friends, a nostalgic longing shadowed his eyes that spoke volumes to any observer.

Ah, I knew too well. Not even the delicious cheese, nor his favourite stuffies, could occupy his heart entirely. His longing was for his beloved Mom, the human who had meant the world to him before this utopia were his life. Don’t get me wrong, Jethro was content, having found himself in a far better situation than he could possibly dream. Nonetheless, one can’t rid oneself of the pangs of missing the one true love.

In a moment of unexpected tranquility, Jethro retreated from the makeshift stage, his eyes averted from the crowd that lingered, anticipating more shennanigans. Instead, he sauntered to the quietude of Golden Retriever River, seeking solace among its gentle waves. It was there, with his pals at a distance, that Jethro looked towards The Groom Room. Unexpressable emotions welled up within him as he thought of Mom’s gentle touch and honeyed words.

However, there was one friend with whom he earnestly shared his melancholic thoughts – Fat Russell. Gruff yet tender at heart, this bulky comrade took it upon himself to comfort our noble star. A heart-to-heart in the glow of the setting sun, mirthful laughter echoing in the air, mingling with occasional yips and meows, Spencerville was as lively as ever.

Jethro knew well enough, as did the rest of Spencerville, that he’d see Mom again. This was not a permanent farewell but a brief pause, a parenthesis in their journey, until they could return to the sunny backyard and the cheese tasks they loved so much. Nonetheless, his resilient heart never forgot her. Here he was, in this almost perfect dog’s paradise, immersed in an environment more whimsical than one could fathom back home; yet, his heart yearned for the one person who had loved him like no other.

Such are the tales of Spencerville, our friend Jethro, and the beings that come and go, leaving their timeless tales for generations to cherish. This was never the end but instead a comforting promise of a reunion, waiting eagerly at the end of their time in this enchanting town. Ah, the poignant beauty of love and longing, the unstinting loyalty that transcends even death – such is the saga of our beloved pets. None can ever deny their undeniable charm, their unyielding love that waits beyond the thresholds of life and death.

The End.