Free Fabulous Five 013 - The Christmas Countdown by Betsy Haynes Page B

carried one side of the package on
the way over to Mrs. Miller's. It wasn't heavy, and Jeffy could have carried it
by himself, but she was sure he'd drop it if he did. Melanie was surprised when
a lady in a blue uniform answered the door.
    "Hello," she said cheerfully. "Come on in. I
was just finishing up my visit with Mrs. Miller." She stood back as the
Edwards family trooped in. Melanie and Jeffy came last, carrying the box
between them as if they were two wise men bringing a gift.
    "This is my husband, Larry, my daughter, Melanie, and
my son, Jeffy," said Mrs. Edwards. "This is Mrs. Crenshaw," she
said to her family. "She's the nurse's aide I mentioned who is taking care
of Clare for a few days because of her ankle."
    Mrs. Miller was sitting in a big overstuffed chair by the
window with her wrapped ankle on a footstool. Her face brightened slightly when
she saw the Edwards family, but she still looked sad and tired. Melanie noticed
that Mrs. Miller hadn't even bothered putting up a Christmas tree this year.
She knew it was because of losing Duchess, and she suddenly knew how Mrs.
Miller felt.
    "Hello, Clare," said Mrs. Edwards in her most
cheerful voice. Melanie recognized it as the voice her mother reserved for
company or when Melanie brought home an A on her report card. "How are you
feeling today?"
    "Fine," Mrs. Miller said with obvious effort.
    "She's doing really well," said Mrs. Crenshaw, who
was putting on her coat to leave.
    "Well, we've brought you something special that might
help cheer you up," said Mr. Edwards. He and Mrs. Edwards stepped back to
let Melanie and Jeffy come forward with their present. They put the box down on
the footstool in front of her chair.
    "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" they all yelled in unison.
    "My, what's this?" Mrs. Miller asked. Faint
scratching noises came from inside, and she raised her eyebrows questioningly.
    "Be careful when you open it," Jeffy said
importantly.
    Mrs. Miller removed the bow and her fingers fumbled at the
lid. Melanie watched her face intently, wandering how she would feel when she
saw Jo-Jo.
    Finally, Mrs. Miller pulled the lid back and looked inside.
Her face was expressionless for a moment, and then Melanie heard a small
whimper, and Jo-Jo's white head popped up like a jack-in-the-box, and he licked
Mrs. Miller on the nose.
    Melanie's eyes brimmed with tears when the look on Mrs.
Miller's face turned from astonishment to one of warmth as she looked at the
furry little creature. She took Jo-Jo and held him against her chest. The dog
squirmed in her arms and licked her cheek, all the while its tail whipped back
and forth like a furry little switch.
    Maybe I shouldn't forget about all the other animals just
because I can't have Rainbow, Melanie thought. She'll have a good home, and all
the others need good homes, too. Just like Jo-Jo.
    "Well, isn't that a nice present, Clare?" Mrs.
Crenshaw broke into the moment.
    "His name's Jo-Jo!" blurted out Jeffy. "And
if you need someone to walk him, I'll do it."
    Mrs. Miller smiled at him over Jo-Jo's shaggy white back.
    Melanie's mother moved closer, and Jeffy reached out to pat
the dog's back.
    "I think Jo-Jo's exactly what Mrs. Miller needed,"
whispered Mrs. Crenshaw to Melanie and her father. "She has been grieving
over the loss of Duchess and needed something to take her mind off it.
So many elderly people would benefit from the companionship of pets. Their
children are grown and have work and families of their own to take care of and
just can't spend the time with them." They moved toward the front door as
she talked.
    "Most elderly people aren't able to work or get out of
the house because of their physical condition, and they spend an awful lot of
time alone with their memories. Pets give them something to care about and take
care of. It makes them feel that they're still useful. In fact, I've read that
elderly people who have pets live longer than those who don't. Many nursing
homes are starting to bring pets in to help the