The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

Author:Melody Carlson [Carlson, Melody]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2010-07-07T20:00:00+00:00

9

Avery, true to her word, made “found dog” posters and hung them around the neighborhood. But, just to be sure, Betty called the animal shelter and local vets to let them know about Ralph as well. Naturally, she did this while Avery was holed up in her room, where she was working on the anniversary things and unable to hear. But so far there hadn’t been a single inquiry about the dog. Betty didn’t know what to make of it.

Then late on Thursday afternoon, the dog went missing again. Avery was fit to be tied, and Betty felt a mixture of relief and regret. On one hand, it would be easier for everyone if the dog simply exited their lives as quickly as he’d entered. Yet at the same time, Betty realized she’d grown a tad bit fond of the mutt. She didn’t mind when he nestled down at her feet while she sat at the kitchen table. And she liked how nicely he would sit to wait for a treat—just like someone had taught him manners. Sometimes she thought he was a right nice little dog. This, of course, worried her—she had no intention of becoming attached to a pet.

“I’ll bet Jack took him again,” Avery said as she pulled on her parka. “I’m going to find out.”

“I don’t think you should go alone.” Betty pushed herself up from her recliner.

“You sit tight, Grandma,” Avery said. “I can handle this.”

Betty wasn’t so sure. “But Jack is a bit unpredictable, dear.”

“I can deal with him.”

“Wait,” Betty said. “Why don’t you take him a cookie plate?”

“A cookie plate?” Avery frowned. “Why would I want to do that?”

Betty took Avery by the elbow and walked her to the kitchen as she explained the “kill him with kindness” theory. “Your Aunt Susan reminded me of it a few days ago. And I think it’s worth a try.”

“I don’t know.”

But Betty was already loading up a Christmas platter. “I don’t think it could hurt,” she said as she wrapped it in plastic wrap. “And if it doesn’t sweeten him up, well, at least we can tell Susan that we gave it a try.”

“Okay.” But as Avery took the plate, she still looked skeptical.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come along?”

“No, I’ll be fine.”

“Just be careful.” Betty shook her finger in warning.

“Yeah, yeah.” Avery was already halfway out the door.

Betty sighed as she returned to her recliner and the task of untangling an old string of Christmas lights. Earlier that morning Avery had decided to venture into the attic, then happily came down with two boxes of Christmas decorations. After that, she’d been determined that the house should be decorated to the hilt.

At first, Betty had opposed the idea. She had imagined being alone when it was time to take everything down, struggling to get it all put away before her trip to Florida. However, it wasn’t long before the youthful enthusiasm infected Betty, and it was fun to see Avery enjoying herself. Betty watched with fascination as her granddaughter tried out new ways of using old decorations.

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