Hey Dad, Oscar here. I’m just your average tail-waggin’, Crocs-chewin’, adventure-lovin’ Border Collie by day, but come nightfall, I’m the top dog of Pawsburg. From steak pizzas to stylish collars and spa treatments, nighttime is my playtime. But as the sun rises, I’m just your playful pup again, ready for another day with you. Here’s to more playful days and wild nights, your furry son, Oscar ‘The Night Crawler.’

Listen to the story here

Oscar nights are peculiar, always have been. The minute we all fall asleep, he saunters off on his own canine odyssey, destination – Pawsburg. It’s like Vegas for dogs. It’s all different come daybreak but in the interim, in the black of the night, my sprightly Border Collie becomes a party animal.

With a quick wag of his tail, he throws a farewell glance at me before he disappears into the night. Eager anticipation makes his brown eyes glimmer. I swear I can hear him thinking loudly, “Sorry, pal, a Border Collie’s got to do what a Border Collie’s got to do.” And off he goes, my sun-loving, walnut-eating, beef-craving, Crocs-chewing best pal.

Pawsburg! Oh, that glorious town replete with dog-friendly adventures. My excitement may pale in comparison to Oscar’s, but heck, it’s contagious. He navigates like a seasoned sailor, traversing South Poodle Pond, Chihuahua Castle, and Greyhound Grove. Max and Ollie join later, just after their respective owners play dead for the night.

The first stop is always Pupperoni Pizza. Oscar’s a man of tradition, and the ritual is as sacred as it comes. After a generous helping of steak pizza, both Oscar and Max saunter to Canine Couture Clothing. Something about the snazzy collars catches Oscar’s fancy every time.

Upon reaching Fur Tacos, the third musketeer Ollie scuttles in. Oscar and Max pause, amused by Ollie’s simple pleasures. A bowl of taco-shaped doggy-treats does the trick for him. The trio then usually ends their gastronomic sojourn at Pooched Potatoes, savoring ten fluffy potatoes each. Well, maybe five for Ollie. After all, he is the smallest amongst them.

After tuckering themselves out, they head to The Dapper Dog Salon. Bath time isn’t Oscar’s favorite, but vanity prevails. The fluffy quartet struts around, cushioned by their pride and vanity, occasionally stopping at Spa for Paws. Nothing like a refreshing paw-dicure to conclude the night.

As daylight seeped in, signaling an end to their magical journey, they’d all, without exception, appear dejected. I swear Ollie’s eyes were glossed over once. Or maybe it had been my morning haze.

Returning at dawn, Oscar would wag his tail a tad slower. The sparkling adventure reflected in his eyes gradually doused, replaced by the same old playful gleam. “See you tonight, Pawsburg!” His barking echoed in the quiet morning, a legacy of a beloved Border Collie’s secret nocturnal escapades.

But amid the mundane days, I wouldn’t trade my quirky, vacuum-fearing, cat-antagonizing, adventure-loving buddy for all the well-behaved dogs in the world. Because at the end of each day, Oscar’s nighttime mischief were but tales. We’d laugh about them as the sun dipped below the horizon, as if whispered secrets shared between best friends before embarking yet again on a nocturnal journey towards Pawsburg.

The End.

Share This Story: