Food.

Sniffing his nose to the catch the scent on the air, his ears perked up as he bounced along the happy trail. Tail waggling side to side as he scampered towards the mess of funny two-legs. They came in all shapes and sizes, some smelling better than others. But they were nice to him and called him a name. Those nicest were the ones with treats to give to him, and maybe a few belly rubs. Two-legs were always fond of petting him, but sometimes they would chase him out because he ate their food. Strange two-legs, why leave good food out if not going to eat it right away? Why not bury food in ground? Spades had many treats, all around camp, but sometimes forget where buried. Spades only remember his favourite spot, it's where he bury most treats, even a few shinies. Two-legs like shinies too, sometimes bury, but sometimes give to other two-legs. Spades could understand why shinies not buried all the time, shinies nice to look at in sunlight. But food is better in belly.

The melting snow made it difficult to dig, and also made the dirt too gummy. Hard to shovel out with paws, and harder to clean. Winter snow as fun to roll around in, but Two-legs not like it if they see yellow snow and yell at Spades. Spades doesn't like it when they yell at him, Spades is a good person, he prefers it when pat his head and say good boy. Or when they throw things for him to chase. Very fun to chase things, sometimes come back, sometimes forget to come back and bury thing instead. Then two-legs upset but Spades show where Spades buried, sometimes. Sometimes Spades like and pretends Spades forget. But then sometimes Spades really forget. No matter, Two-legs have more things to throw for Spades. They like Spades.

So there looking his cutest, or at least trying his best to look cute with his fur covered with bits of melting snow, Spades the camp dog wandered into the mess hall. He was on the hunt for snacks, scrounging around the floor for any missed droppings, licking at sweet spots of syrup and whatever crumbs he came upon. Although he wasn't too keen on eating his veggies, as he pawed curiously at the rolling greens some of the kids tried to feed him as scraps. Even dogs didn't seem to want those veggies. Yet rustling up a meal was never too hard, someone was always generous enough to share, despite the dwindling supplies they had.

Who would be his next meal ticket?