Working Like a Dog

— Pet Tale by Lauri Richardson —

Ever since I was a wee pup, I’ve wondered what my future would hold. What was my purpose on this earth? Where did I fit in?

I tried my hand at sheep herding. That did not turn out well.

Then I thought tap dancing. I had seen Snoopy do it and it didn’t look that hard, either. But Dad said no, not on his watch.

I really wanted to be a pocket pooch, or a purse puppy – that looked like sooo much fun, hobnobbing with the beautiful peeps and experiencing the world from a luxurious Birkin bag. Dad just laughed.

That was until one day when true inspiration struck. Sniffing a jar of peanuts (yes, it was in the garbage. Bite me.) I noticed the spiffy gentlemen on the label: Mr. Peanut. Shelling peanuts, as it were. I thought: “There’s something I could really get into.”

Then that evening, before I even had the chance to tell Dad, I had another message from the universe. Dad was playing a board game with the other kids, and right on the front of the box I spotted a second dapper dude: Mr. Monopoly. So respectable, and a banker to boot. Dad seemed to like him too.

I knew my decision would make Dad proud of me. After all, even he would leave the house sometimes wearing a sharp suit. I had never paid it much mind, but I figured somebody must be paying him to do something?? I knew that kibble did not magically appear by itself.

So there you have it. I became a distinguished gentleman. Mr. Big, to you. But still working like a dog. 🐾

(*) Illustration by Jorge Augusto de Araújo Venâncio – He began his career in 2013, taking courses at Adobe in São Paulo, Brazil. He is now an accomplished graphic designer living in Canada who, for the past ten years, has been applying his design and video skills primarily in the online world. As a digital marketing specialist, Jorge helps companies stand out in the digital sphere, transforming their online presence and building brand reputation. He recognizes the continuous effort and hard work required to achieve great results; success that comes from “working like a dog”. CONTACT JORGE VENANCIO: Digital Marketing Specialist | Graphic Designer | Video | E-Mail: adm.uneimages@gmail.com

This content is part of the 2025 Wave Pets Illustrated Calendar-Planner, where talented Canadian artists were invited to illustrate each month using a blend of techniques inspired by selected pet photos. Each unique piece captures the charm and personality of beloved pets, with storytelling that brings them to life month by month.

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