The Inspector Beagle

Pasha the elephant was in Perth! He got off the plane and looked around. The sky was the bluer than the rivers back home. The grass was greener than a parrot’s wing. But where were the coconut trees? There was not a single coconut palm in sight. Suddenly Pasha felt very homesick.

“You must go this way to meet the Customs Officer,” said a friendly airport official. So Pasha blinked away a tear and went into the airport. There were people from all over the world pushing trolleys and carrying bags.

Suddenly, an Inspector Beagle trotted over to Pasha. He was tiny dog with floppy ears and big brown eyes. He made Pasha feel huge and clumsy.

“I hope you’re not carrying drugs or food!” said the Inspector Beagle sternly. He sniffed at Pasha’s suitcase and looked down his long trunk.

“I wouldn’t dare,” said Pasha meekly.

"Shells? Butter? Fur? Muddy shoes?" asked the Beagle.

"I..I don't think so," stammered Pasha.

"Straw hats? Stuffed animals?"

"Well, I'm an animal - and I know I look a bit stuffed, but I'm just built that way," explained Pasha.

"Hmm," said the Beagle, and wrinkled his nose thoughtfully. “I'm not sure that counts.. Alright then, off you go.”

So Pasha hoisted his suitcase with his trunk and lumbered off to the Arrival Lounge. A young man was waiting there for him, carrying a sign that said Perth University.

“Hallo,” he said cheerfully. “You must be Pasha. Welcome to Perth!”