Too Big to Run by Catherine Hapka Read Free Book Online Page B

found Ace’s perfect match, too—Matthew! He needs a dog that can keep up with lots of running.”
    Now it was Janey’s turn to gasp. “And that’s Ace!” She tugged on the leash. “Come on, let’s go tell them!”

    â€œIt’s amazing how things worked out, isn’t it?” Janey asked Mrs. Reed.
    It was a little over a week later and the two of them were in the waiting room of the Critter Clinic, along with the rest of the Pet Rescue Club. Matthew was there, too. So was Ace. The cute black dog was lying on the floor under his new owner’s chair, taking a nap.
    Janey smiled when she saw that. “I never thought I’d see Ace being so still,” she said.
    Matthew chuckled. “We went on a nice long run this morning,” he said. “He’s all tuckered out.”
    â€œAs they say, a tired dog is a good dog.” Mrs. Reed chuckled and patted Pepper, who was sitting on her lap. Then she glanced toward the door leading to the back room, looking anxious. “I wonder how Maxi is doing.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Lolli told her. “Zach’s mom is the best. She’ll fix her.”
    Janey nodded. But she also crossed her fingers. She hoped Maxi’s surgery went well so she could begin her new career as a therapy dog.
    At first, both Mrs. Reed and Matthew weren’t sure about Adam’s plan. But the more they discussed it, the more they realized how perfect it was. Maxi would get agood home where Matthew could visit her. He was sad at the thought of giving her up, but happy at the idea that she’d have a job she was good at—being a therapy dog—and would be getting lots more attention, too.
    Mrs. Reed hadn’t planned on getting such a large dog. But then she decided that size didn’t matter. The important thing was Maxi’s personality, and that was perfect for therapy work. She was even going to pay for Maxi’s surgery herself, so the money from the Walk and Wag could go to the shelter!
    As for Matthew, one test run was all it had taken to convince him that Ace would be able to keep up with him.
    â€œIt’s the perfect happily ever after,” Janey murmured as she thought about how well everything had worked out.
    Adam heard her and looked over. “Don’t jinx it,” he said. “It’s not happy ever after until Maxi is safely out of surgery.”
    Janey nodded and stared at the door leading to the clinic’s back room. All of them were waiting for the surgery to be over. “Why’s it taking so long?” she wondered.
    â€œYou don’t want Mom to rush it,” Zach reminded her.
    â€œI know,” Janey said. “But—”
    She cut herself off as the door opened and Dr. Goldman stepped out. She was smiling as she peeled off her surgical gloves.
    â€œI won’t keep you in suspense,” she said. “The surgery went very well. Maxi should recover fully.”
    â€œHooray!” Janey cried, leaping to her feet and doing a happy dance.

    That woke up Ace. He leaped to his feet, barking and wagging his tail and doing his own happy dance. Pepper barked, too.
    â€œYou said it,” Janey told both dogs with a giggle. “Now it really is another happily ever after for the Pet Rescue Club!”
    THE END

The Right Dog for the Right Home

    There are lots of dog breeds out there—and countless adorable mixed breed dogs as well. It can be tempting to choose the cutest dog, or the friendliest, or one that reminds you of a dog from TV or the movies. But it’s important to make sure the dog you adopt fits your personality and lifestyle. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors, or prefer quieter pastimes? Do you live in the country or the city? Do you like to keep your house spotless, or will a little—or a lot—of dog hair not bother you? Are you confident enough to handle a dominant breed, or do youprefer someone sweet and