Too Big to Run by Catherine Hapka Read Free Book Online

idea!”

    â€œThanks,” Lolli said. “Maxi’s owner can’t afford surgery, and we wanted to help.”
    â€œThis is Ace,” Janey blurted out as Ace jumped up on Mrs. Reed’s legs. “He’s the one in the photos we sent. He’s, um, a little excited today.”
    â€œI can see that.” The woman chuckled and let Ace sniff her hand. “Hello there, Ace. Aren’t you a lively fellow!”
    â€œYes, he has lots of energy,” Janey said. “That means he could be a good therapy dog, right?”
    â€œA therapy dog? Hmm.” Mrs. Reed looked at Kitty. “Maybe if he settles down a bit.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Janey said. “I thought he’d need energy to go visit lots of places with you.”
    â€œYes, but many of the people we visit are sick or elderly or both,” Mrs. Reed explained. “A dog that’s too energetic can be too much for them.” She patted Ace. “He’s a cute fellow, though. I’m sure he could do lots of things. Maybe dog agility or something like that?”
    Janey wasn’t sure what to say. This wasn’t turning out the way she’d planned at all! How was she going to convince Mrs. Reed that Ace really was the perfect match for her?

    â€œLook! There’s Matthew,” Adam said.
    Zach saw him, too. “Hey, he brought Maxi,” he said. “I hope he’s not making her run. Or even walk.”
    â€œDoesn’t look like it,” Adam said. “They’re just hanging out in the shade talking to people.”
    The two boys hurried over. “Hi,” Zach said. “I thought you weren’t going to bring Maxi.”
    â€œI couldn’t stand to leave her home,” Matthew said. “After all, this is all for her! Besides, we haven’t been spending enough time together since she had to stop running. I don’t want her to be lonely.” He gave her a pat. “Anyway, my sister offered to walk with her dog in our place so we could just hang out.”
    â€œThat’s good,” Zach said. “Look, I think Maxi likes Misha and Duke!”
    The three dogs were circling one another, wagging their tails.
    â€œOh, Maxi gets along with everybody,”Matthew said with a chuckle. “Even tiny dogs can boss her around and she doesn’t mind a bit.”
    Zach nodded, remembering how calm Maxi had been with Toby the cat in the clinic waiting room. “She’s pretty chill,” he agreed.
    â€œLook,” Adam said. “There are Janey and Lolli.”
    â€œAnd Mrs. Reed,” Zach added. He waved. “Guys! Over here!”
    The girls and Mrs. Reed came toward them. Mrs. Reed was holding Pepper in her arms, while Ace frisked around and barked at Roscoe. Zach noticed that Janey looked kind of grumpy. But she looked that way a lot, so he didn’t worry about it.
    â€œThis is Maxi,” he told Mrs. Reed. “She’s the one who’s getting the surgery.”
    â€œLovely to meet you, Maxi,” Mrs. Reed said. As she leaned down to give the big dog a pat, Pepper wriggled in her arms, sniffing curiously at Maxi.
    â€œYou can put Pepper down,” Zach said. “Maxi won’t hurt him.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Janey added. “I’ll keep Ace away.”
    â€œThank you, dear.” Mrs. Reed set the Chihuahua on the ground. Pepper trotted over and sniffed noses with Maxi. Both dogs wagged their tails.

    â€œOh, and this is Matthew,” Lolli added.
    â€œI know.” Mrs. Reed smiled. “Good to see you again, Matthew.”
    â€œYou too, Prof,” Matthew said. Glancing at the kids, he grinned. “Dr. Reed was my professor in college.”
    â€œReally?” Zach was surprised. “You’re a doctor?”
    â€œA doctor of history,” Mrs. Reed said with a chuckle. “Matthew was one of my best students.”
    As Matthew and Mrs. Reed chatted, Zach