Free Too Big to Run by Catherine Hapka Page B

questions. But before she could, the door to exam room one opened. Out walked the biggest dog Janey had ever seen! The dog had floppy ears, droopy jowls, and a sweet expression.
    â€œWhat in the world is that?” Janey cried loudly.
    Lolli giggled. “Is it a dog, or a bear?”
    The dog’s owner walked out, too. He was a lean young man dressed in shorts and a sweatshirt. He smiled at the kids.

    â€œThis is Maxi,” he said. “She’s big, but she’s friendly—it’s okay to pet her if you like.”
    â€œMaxi is a mastiff,” Adam told the others.
    â€œOh, right,” Janey said. “I recognize her now from my books. I read that mastiffs are a giant breed—and now I see that it’s true!”
    Janey loved to read books about animals. She was interested in all kinds of dogs and cats. She’d seen pictures of mastiffs before.But she’d never seen one in person. Maxi looked even bigger than Janey expected.
    The dog drooled happily and wagged her tail as the kids walked toward her. But when she took a step, she limped a little.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Lolli asked. “Is she injured?”
    The young man sighed. “Yes, that’s why we’re here. She’s my jogging buddy, and we were on a run yesterday when she started limping. Dr. Goldman says poor Maxi blew out both her knees.”
    â€œOuch.” Janey scratched the mastiff’s massive head. “That sounds painful.”
    Just then Zach’s mother bustled out from the back room. “Here you go, Matthew,” she said, handing the young man a bottle. “I found enough pills to last Maxi through theweekend. If you stop by on Monday afternoon, I’ll have the rest for you by then.”
    â€œThanks, Dr. G,” Matthew said. “I hope these will make poor Maxi feel better.”
    â€œThey’ll help.” Dr. Goldman patted the big dog. “But as I mentioned, I’m afraid the only thing that will really help her long-term is surgery.”
    Matthew winced. “I know, I know,” he said. “I just don’t know if I can afford it—at least not anytime soon.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Janey asked.
    â€œI just graduated from college,” Matthew said with a sigh. “I’m working two jobs to make ends meet as it is. I don’t know how I’m going to scrape together enough money for Maxi’s surgery!”
    â€œWell, we can try the meds for now andlet her get plenty of rest,” Dr. Goldman said. “That should make her feel a little better.”

    â€œThanks, doc.” Matthew stuck the pill bottle in the pocket of his shorts. Then he snapped a leash onto Maxi’s collar. “Come on, big girl,” he said. “We’d better head for home.”
    â€œWalking only, remember?” The vet said with a smile. “No jogging.”
    â€œPromise,” Matthew said. “See you on Monday, doc!”
    The kids gave Maxi a few more pats, and then she and her owner left. Dr. Goldman looked worried as she watched them go.
    â€œWhy did you tell him not to jog home?” Janey asked the vet.
    â€œBecause Matthew is a serious runner,” Dr. Goldman answered. “Unfortunately, mastiffs don’t make very good jogging companions. They’re too big and heavy to handle that much extra stress on their joints.”
    Janey was surprised. “Maxi is too big to run?” she said. “I thought all dogs loved running around.”
    â€œA gentle lope around the park is one thing,” Dr. Goldman said. “But miles every day on pavement is another matter.”
    Just then Russ stuck his head out into the waiting room. “Pepper is next, doctor,” he said.
    â€œComing,” the vet replied. She glanced at the kids. “Pepper is my last patient of the morning. As soon as we’re finished, I can drive you over to the shelter.”
    â€œWe’ll be here,