Free Chewy and Chica by Ellen Miles Page B

two?
These
two?” He reached down to pick up Chewy. Lizzie picked up Chica. “What do you think?” Charles and Lizzie held out the puppies.
    Chewy’s tiny foot pawed the air, and Chica let out a “yip-yip-yip.”
    Take us! Take us!
    Please! I love it in your pocket!
    Mr. Beauregard let out a huge booming laugh. “Oh, why not?” he said. “They’re no bigger than a couple of fleas. I can fit ‘em in my briefcase, if I have to.” He reached out his long, skinny hands, and gently, he took the puppies. Cradling one in each hand, he beamed down at them. “My new best pals,” he said. “Everybody needs a friend when they’re out on the road.”
    Mom came over when she heard everybody laughing. Lizzie and Charles told her what had happened. “Wow, great news,” she said. “You two really get the job done when you’re not busy squabbling, don’t you?” She gave them a meaningful look, and they knew exactly what she was thinking. The bet had made them so competitive that they had forgotten to work together. “It’s been a pretty good day all around,” Mom went on. “And now I get to tell your dad to start cleaning out that junk drawer.”
    “Yay, Mom!” Lizzie and Charles cheered. Neither of them really cared that their own bet had ended in a tie and they would still be doing their same old chores. The main thing was that Chewy and Chica had found a fantastic forever home.
    On the way home, Mom told Lizzie and Charles that now that Mr. Beauregard had adopted Chewy and Chica, there was still time to go upto AdventureLand for a day or two. “Maria and Sammy can come along, too,” she said. “You both worked so hard with those dogs, and you deserve a treat.”
    In the backseat of the van, Charles looked at Lizzie. She looked back at him. “I don’t know,” Charles said. “I kind of miss Buddy. I feel like I hardly got to play with him all week.”
    “Same here,” said Lizzie. “Plus, I know Ms. Dobbins could still use some extra help over at the shelter. How about if we just stick around home and” — she winked at Charles — “figure out what’s next for the Caring Club?”
    “Sounds good. No more demonstrations for a while, though, okay?” Mom smiled into the rear-view mirror.
    “Fine with me,” said Charles. “I bet we can come up with some other great idea.”
    “I bet you’re right,” said Lizzie. They grinned at each other and shook on it.

Puppy Tips
    What can
you
do to help animals? Maybe you can start your own Caring Club, like Lizzie did. But there are lots of other ways, too. Is your birthday coming up? Some kids ask their friends to donate to the local animal shelter instead of giving presents. If you are old enough, you might be able to volunteer at a shelter. You can help spread the word about animals in trouble by writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper. And of course you can take good care of your own pets. That means making sure that they are clean and healthy, that they have plenty of food and water and a safe, warm place to live, and that they get the training and exercise they need. And don’t forget: more than anything, dogs need love. Hug your dog!

 
    Dear Reader,
    Like Lizzie, I have always been a “big-dog person.” Big dogs are so huggable, and you can take them along on a swim or a run. My favorite breed is black Lab. But as I was writing this book, I learned that Chihuahuas can make terrific pets. They are smart, loyal, easy to take along anywhere you go, and of course very, very cute. I fell in love with Chewy and Chica. I hope you will, too!
    Danielle, the woman who designed my website, adopted a Chihuahua. named Luna. Luna’s first owner was a friend who became allergic to dogs. Danielle sends her friend pictures of Luna every day.
    Yours from The Puppy Place,
    Ellen Miles
    P.S. If you think Chewy and Chica make a good pair, check out Maggie and Max!

 
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