“Hey Mom, had a blast at the Tail Trials today! Missed my toys, and Jazz too. Competitors were tough, but I gave it my all, and guess what? Still got to munch on roast beef! Spoiler: Ice cream was the real victory. Love, Booboos.”

Listen to the story here

One day in Spencerville, that lively afterlife for pets brimming with wagging tails and playful purrs, hosted quite the event—the Tail Trials. Each neighborhood sent their bravest, their smartest, their most loyal beasts to compete for the title of Supreme Ruler of the Fetch.

In the district of Western Husky Hill, I watched my favorite Boston Terrier, Maxie, our brave contender. His distinctive ears, alert and expectant, stood upright against the cool Spencerville breeze.

Oh, Maxie with his remarkable expressive stubby tail, our beacon of hope. The familiar sight of his lovable tail wagging wildly as he prepared for the trials mirrored the energy pulsing through the crowd. His favorite toys, Mr. Snotty Pig and Miss Squeaky Chicken, safely tucked away for comfort.

The crowd merrily navigated between the Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Store and The Barkery. Aroma of fresh roast beef and ducks wafted through the air to the fields. I knew then, somewhere in the crowd, Maxie was indulging his gourmet side, a hodgepodge of roast beef, duck treats, and a swirled ice cream cone – or two.

His determination shone bright as he missed his toys. There was a subtle yearning in his gaze, no toys to chase or pull at. But that yearning, dear reader, wasn’t fear. Just Maxie’s dislike for being alone, biting away at him like one does at an unappetizing banana.

Among his competitors were gigantic Golden Retrievers and fierce Cocker Spaniels. Poodles with their calculated charm, Collies in their poised elegance. But Maxie, with his vibrant spirit and protective nature, stole the show you all know it. His game strategy was love, companionship, loyalty.

The trials echoed with the spirit of Maxie’s grand games of backyard fetch. He slipped and dashed through the obstacle course, playing it like one grand game of tug-of-war with life. Rain or snow, his biggest weather foes, stood no comparison to his bountiful courage. Dear reader, I’ve seen less gumption at a hamster wheel.

It wasn’t about winning or losing – at least not for Maxie. No, it was about the thrill of the game. The utter joy that comes with running freely, with competing fiercely, and relishing a well-deserved roast beef treat after a glorious day battling it out to reign supreme in Spencerville’s Tail Trials.

I wondered though of a grey cat, Jazz, with her long wispy whiskers. A companion Maxie left curiously behind, the thought never escaped his mind. Amidst all the games, the trials, the victories, Maxie yearned for that companionship only Jazz could offer.

Ah, the story is never about the Waiting Game, dear reader. It’s about those who wait, those who play, and those who love and are loved in return. And Maxie, brave, loyal, loving Maxie, played like a true champion, not just for Western Husky Hill, but for himself, for Jazz, for us. Every wag, every playful jump, every paw-step took him closer to victory. Love and longing, always a poignant mix. Joy, love, longing and an ice cream treat- that’s what I call a good day.

The End.