Purple Nails and Puppy Tails by Jill Santopolo Read Free Book Online

said, pulling up in front of the shelter. “You know, I’m proud of you girls for helping out the community like this, even though we’re not getting a dog.”
    â€œThanks, Dad,” Aly said, her heart dropping into her stomach.
    â€œYeah, thanks,” Brooke said, looking just as sad as Aly felt.

    When the girls got out of the car, Mrs. Franklin and Sadie were waiting for them just inside the door—dressed, as usual, like twins: Sadie wore yellow and pink bows on her ears. Mrs. Franklin had on a yellow-and-pink-striped hat.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re here,” Mrs. Franklin said. “Your friends are already inside.”
    Charlotte, Lily, and Sophie were planning to help. And Jenica was going to be around, volunteering.
    Aly and Brooke followed Mrs. Franklin through the shelter and waved at Irena, who was in the middle of a cat adoption. They finally reached the old-timers’ room. “I’ll be right back, girls,” Mrs. Franklin said as she headed back down the hallway. “I have to let Isaac know you’re here.”
    Miss Nina was already in the room, with Bob walking behind her on a leash. Lily, Sophie, and Charlotte were there too.
    â€œOooh, he looks so fluffy!” Charlotte squealed, kneeling down next to Bob. Miss Nina handed herBob’s leash and went to get Marjorie out of her cage.
    â€œHi, Bob,” Charlotte said. “Do you like it when people call you Bobby?”
    Bob licked Charlotte’s hand, and she laughed.
    â€œAre you going to adopt him tomorrow?” Aly asked, putting her bag of dog accessories on the floor.
    â€œI think so,” Charlotte said. “My dad wants us to come here with Minerva to make sure they like each other. If they do, Bob’s coming home with me.”
    â€œI’m getting Melvin,” Brooke said.
    Aly closed her eyes and started counting Mississippis so she wouldn’t scream at her sister. “Stop it, Brooke,” she whispered.
    â€œThe slobbery one?” Lily asked. “Ick. I didn’t think anyone was going to take him. Are you sure that’s the one you want?”
    â€œWe’re not getting a dog,” Aly said. “Brooke’s just pretending. Right, Brooke?”
    Brooke looked like she was about to cry. “I guess.” She frowned.
    â€œI’d pretend to get Sparky,” Sophie said. “He’s so cute, with those comic-book eyes. But I’m not allowed to have another pet—just my gerbil.”
    â€œI’d pretend to get Sparky too,” Aly said. Then she walked over to his cage. “Hey, where is he?”
    â€œHe’s in the back, waiting for his bath,” Sophie said. “Miss Nina and the other groomers just started. They’ve got Bob, Laces, and Murphy done. And Marjorie’s back there now, along with Frida and Sparky.”
    Bob started barking when Irena walked into the room with Isaac, Mrs. Franklin, and Sadie.
    â€œLet’s set you up in that corner over there,” Irena said. “Isaac’s going to be taking pictures. And don’t worry if things get a little messy with the dogs.”
    Aly looked down at her T-shirt and jeans. She was glad she wasn’t wearing any of her favorite clothes.
    Irena continued, “There are towels and treats for the dogs, and a basket for all your dog polish.”
    â€œIt’s called paw-lish,” Brooke told her. “And Hound Dog Blues is going to be the doggy Color of the Week.” She giggled. “I mean, the Color of the Day.”
    Irena laughed. “Excuse me,” she said. “Paw-lish. Anyway, I’ll be coming in and out, but Nina said she’ll keep an eye on you and the dogs. Isaac will be here too, if you need anything.”
    â€œOkay,” Aly said, glancing up at Isaac. He smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.
    â€œAnd,” Irena said, leaning against one of the empty cages, “on behalf of the whole shelter: Thank