Free Too Big to Run by Catherine Hapka Page A

therapy dog!”
    Zach laughed. “Yeah, except it might be a problem if he tries to sit in people’s laps like Pepper does.”
    â€œTrue. He’s a little bigger than Pepper.” Lolli grinned at Mrs. Reed. “He’s part Lab, part Rottweiler, and part who knows what.”
    â€œTherapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes,” Mrs. Reed replied with a smile. “The only important things are the right kind of temperament and some basic training.”
    â€œReally?” Zach looked surprised.
    The woman nodded, bending down to pat Pepper. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about getting a second dog myself, and I wasthinking I might look for a larger one this time,” she said. “Pepper is perfect for snuggling with elderly folks. But children can be a little too rambunctious for such a small, delicate dog. A medium-sized critter might be better for visiting them.”
    â€œI know the perfect place for you to find a dog,” Janey exclaimed. “The Third Street Animal Shelter! They have all sizes!”

    The other members of the Pet Rescue Club nodded. They all volunteered at the shelter, which had helped them place their very first rescue animal.
    â€œYes, I was thinking of looking there,” Mrs. Reed said.
    â€œWe’re going there after Mom sees Pepper,” Zach told her excitedly. “You could come with us!”
    The woman chuckled. “Thanks, Zach. But Pepper and I are scheduled to visit a nursing home this afternoon.” She shrugged. “Actually, Pepper and I are pretty busy for the next few weeks. But maybe we’ll stop by the shelter next month. I’m sure we’ll be able to findour new therapy-dog friend there.”
    Janey frowned slightly. Next month? That seemed like forever away!
    â€œAre you sure you don’t have time to go to the shelter sooner?” she asked. “It’s open every day of the week. Even tomorrow—Sunday!”
    Lolli poked her. “Don’t be impatient, Janey,” she said gently. “Mrs. Reed will go when she’s ready.”
    Janey knew her friend was right. Lolli was always thoughtful and tried to see things from other people’s point of view.
    But Janey liked to look at things from animals’ points of view. “Okay,” she said. “The thing is, I just know there are plenty of medium-sized dogs in the shelter that would love a new home pronto!”
    â€œPronto?” Zach said.
    â€œThat’s Janey’s new word,” Lolli told him. “It means immediately.”
    â€œOh.” Zach rolled his eyes, then looked at Mrs. Reed. “Janey likes to pick out weird new words and use them a lot.”
    â€œPronto, eh?” Mrs. Reed winked at Janey. “Well, we’ll see. Maybe we can find a time to get over there sooner after all—I mean, pronto.”

    Janey smiled. “I hope so.”
    Just then the vet assistant poked his head out of one of the doors. “Mrs. Reed?” he said. “The doctor is almost finished with her last patient. Why don’t you and Pepper come into exam room two and get settled. She’ll be with you soon.”
    â€œThanks, Russ.” The woman stood up and whistled. “Come on, Pepper. Time for your booster shots!”
    Pepper looked up, alert. Then he barked and trotted at his owner’s heel as she followed the tech into the room.
    Janey sighed as she watched them go. “I wish I had a Chihuahua like Pepper,” she said. “He’s so cute!”
    â€œYou wish you could take home every dog you meet,” Lolli reminded her with a smile.
    â€œYeah,” Zach said. “Wait until you see the dog in exam room one! You’ll definitely want him!”
    â€œReally?” Janey glanced at the closed door to exam room one. “What kind of dog is he?”
    Zach and Adam traded a grin. “You’ll see,” Adam said.

Too Big to Run?
    Janey wanted to ask more