Goldie by Ellen Miles

Author:Ellen Miles [Miles, Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780545415200
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2011-11-01T07:00:00+00:00

Charles and Lizzie stared at their father. “What?” Charles asked.

“Somebody already called?” Lizzie said at the same time.

“Dad!” Charles wailed. Just then, Rufus chased Goldie right into Charles. “Oof,” he said, bending down to pick Goldie up. He held her tight. “Nobody’s taking you,” he whispered into her ear. “It’s too soon.”

“Charles, I know your mom talked to you about this. We agreed that we’d keep Goldie — but only until we found her a good home.” His dad reached out to pat Goldie’s head. “Who’s a good girl?” he said softly.

Charles could tell his dad didn’t want Goldie to go, either.

“But how do we know if it’s a good home?” Charles asked.

“We interview them, that’s how,” said Lizzie. “I already did some research on this. I downloaded a questionnaire we can use.”

Dad looked a little surprised. “Well — that’s interesting, Lizzie, but really, I’m not sure it’s necessary. These people sound very nice, and —”

“Do they have a fenced-in yard?” Lizzie demanded. “Do they understand the nutritional needs of a puppy? Is someone going to be home most of the day?”

Now Dad really looked surprised. “You know,” he said, “those are actually very good questions. I suppose it couldn’t hurt to ask some of them.”

Charles still couldn’t believe they were going to have to give up Goldie. “But, Dad,” he said. “Can’t we keep her? Please?”

Dad shook his head. “A full-time dog is a lot of responsibility,” he said. “Now, if we were talking about a cat,” he said, “your mom might feel differently.”

Charles knew Dad was trying to make him smile, but he just couldn’t.

“Okay,” said Dad. “Look, we have to get home. They’ll be here any minute.” He glanced over at Rufus, who stood panting next to Sammy. Rufus’s eyes were bright as he stared up at Goldie. His tongue was hanging out as he panted happily. He obviously wanted to play some more. “Is that the dog you were telling us about yesterday?” Dad asked Sammy. “He sure doesn’t look bored and lazy. Exhausted, maybe, but not bored.”

As he picked up the leash, Sammy smiled at Rufus. “I know,” he said. “He’s like a whole other dog. He liked playing with Goldie.” Rufus licked Sammy’s hand.

“I bet your dad will be happy. I know he misses his old sidekick. I used to see them out running together early in the morning.” Dad started walking back toward home. “Come on, guys,” he said. “We need to get Goldie home, so she can meet these folks who want to adopt her.”

Mom was mopping the kitchen floor when they walked in. “Hey!” she said. “Watch the footprints. I don’t want these people to think we’re slobs.”

“Mom,” Lizzie said, “it doesn’t matter what they think of us.”

“I know,” her mom said. “But they sound like a sweet older couple. They want to take Goldie with them in their RV when they head down to Florida this winter.”

“Older couple?” Lizzie asked doubtfully.

“RV?” Charles asked. He knew what that was. A tiny little house on wheels.

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