Well, I suppose you remember old Poot, that murkishly midnight-colored Pug? Yeah, him. Well, sit yourself down my friend, because I’ve got a tale to tell. It’s about how Poot became the unlikely hero of Spencerville. And in retrospect, it’s all down to that plush monkey.

It was a perfectly normal day in our glorious pet haven, the sun showering its love on Northern Choco Chihuahua Castle and Silver Siberian Summit alike as Poot and his siblings lounged outside Bow Wow Burgers after comfortably filling their bellies. The scent of sirloin hanging in the air, mixing with the energizing aroma wafting from Paws-A-Latte. Quaint, eh?

Now, in Spencerville this routine was as regular as the pre-grooming jitters. But this day spiraled into the realm of extraordinary when Poot’s treasured plush monkey disappeared! His eyes widened with a potent mix of confusion and horror. He dashed around, searching frantically. In spots where the scent of the plush monkey lingered and in locations where it had no business being. Shops like Fetch! Toys and Treats, even Best In Show Photography were turned upside-uh-uhdown in the frenzy!

“It’s not in here, Poot,” said Rooney, his ‘voice-of-reason’ older sister, as she nudged Poot away from The Doggy Depot. “Let’s check around Shih Tzu Stadium, come on.”

But the monkey was nowhere to be found. Everyone in town joined the search, even the cats from The Cat’s Meow Sushi, brimming curiosity in their emerald eyes.

Now, Poot wasn’t much for the unexpected. He preferred his private, quiet corner. Never the sort to dabble in sorcery and exceptionalities. Yet something incredible happened then. His desperation led him to the center of town, where he took a stand – literally. With newfound courage, he barked, “Enough searching! It’s time…for magic.”

Timid Spencerville gasped. Magic was ancient, unpredictable, and frowned upon by the conservative Pet Council. But the sight of determined Poot standing tall, his midnight fur glowing against the setting sun, left everyone in awe.

With his paws shaking almost imperceptibly, he closed his eyes and called for his plush companion using the language of the Old Ones – a language thought to be long forgotten, until now. And in a moment that felt suspended in time, his plush monkey came flying to him from the ominous lands beyond Shih Tzu Stadium.

From being a simple meat-loving dog who just wanted to indulge in therapeutic chews and cuddles, here he was – Poot, the Hero of Spencerville, the one who used magic. All thanks to plush monkey.

Poot? He just shook his head in disbelief and made his way back home, an air of casual bravado radiating from him. He looked around, winked conspiratorially, and chuffed, “You miss a meatball one time, and suddenly you’re a magician. Go figure!”

“Hey mom, it’s me Pootsy. You know, murkishly dark pug of Spencerville? So, guess what happened? Typical day: Burgers, Paws-a-Latte, all’s good. Then BAM! My fave plush monkey’s gone.

Cue doggo panic showdown. Checked every spot high and low. Rooney tried to help. Even the cats! But no monkey. So, me being me, thought ‘heck! Let’s turn this normie day into a magic show’. And the town’s jaws hit the concrete. Who knew our little Spencerville wasn’t ready for my fireworks?

Gathered guts, called out to plusho in ‘Old Ones’ speak (yeah who knew I could speak it too?). Presto! Monkey flew back, the crowd gaped, I was the talk of the town, and ‘Hero Pootsy’ was born!

Heading home now, in my casual Poot Loops style. Legend says, miss a meatball, become a magician. Go figure! TTFN, love…Pootsy.”

Listen to the story here.