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Autumn Clarke; her Shih tzu, Chrissy; and best friend, Stephanie Douglas, walked through the late-August heat shimmering over the annual Peabody Festival grounds. Packed with locals and visitors alike, the festival was an important part of Knollwood’s economy. The town benefitted from the influx of tourists who patronized the bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and Main Street retailers. The number of vendors and booths at the festival seemed to double over last year, with rows of tents added to the center of the fair grounds and an expanded stage area.

Autumn and Stephanie scanned the schedule of speeches and bands. The map of vendor tables handed to them at the gate helped them strategize to visit as many booths as possible before twilight fell. Once it got dark, the blasts from the fireworks would upset Chrissy and make her whole body tremble. Autumn wanted to be home before that happened.

Autumn watched Chrissy’s tail bounce up and down as her hips swayed side-to-side. Chrissy sniffed the freshly mowed grass and sneezed.

“Bless you, sweetheart,” said Autumn.

Chrissy looked up at Autumn with a glistening nose, wagged her tail, and continued her joyful trot. Autumn watched her, proud that Chrissy had come such a long way in the four months since she’d lost her daddy and Autumn became her pet parent. Chrissy’s resilience inspired Autumn to move past her own grief at the loss of her parents eight months before.

The soaring heat did not seem to bother Chrissy, despite her long, silky hair. The warm breeze cut into the humidity and blew through Chrissy’s bangs. Autumn had the water bottle and portable cup at the ready in case her precious Shih tzu got thirsty

They strolled past lines of eager patrons waiting to cool down at the water ice, lemonade, and ice cream stand