(as all clever tales start out), there was a proper, and exceedingly well groomed, British Shetland Sheepdog named Matisse, who lived with his owner and companion Jane Spencer. They lived together in a tidy row house along Regents Park Road not far from Camden High Street in London.

Jane was a diplomat working at the foreign office. She worked very hard and spent many long hours away from home. She dearly loved her dog, Matisse, and in her free moments spent time with him going to Primrose Hill park or shopping in Piccadilly Circus or even tea at one of the local cafes. Matisse was as devoted to Jane as she was to him. Jane knew nothing of the secret life that Matisse lived. No one knew really; for all pets you see, live secret lives that we humans are usually too self involved or busy to notice; most especially grown ups! But if you're patient and pay very close attention, you might just discover their secret world for yourself.

One day, Jane’s employer assigned her to work at the consulate in Los Angeles, California. Matisse had heard of the land of endless sunshine, swaying palms and movie starlets. What a nice change of pace it would be from the dreary rain and cold of London. He was very excited about the biggest adventure outside of London. His life was about to change forever.

Hear the first story of Matisse's Secret Life and Adventures in America. Click on the "Stories" button to hear MP3/Quicktime format audio of Matisse's stories!