Fenway and Hattie Read Online Free PDF Page B

know, the short humans are heading for the back porch.
    I bound after them. “Hey, wait for me!”
    Angel punches her palm a couple of times. “Ball?” she asks. Her long, wavy hair hangs out the back of her cap like a squirrel’s tail.
    Hattie shakes her head. “Jump-rope?” she says.
    Angel scrunches up her face. “Nah,” she says. She pauses for a moment, her gaze wandering. Then her shoulders sink and she disappears through the door.
    Hattie sighs. She smells disappointed.
    â€œDon’t feel bad, Hattie,” I bark, dancing around her feet. “We’re in the Dog Park. It’s time to play!” I shoot out into the grass.
    But instead of chasing me, Hattie trudges right on by.
    â€œTry to catch me!” I bark, zooming along ahead of her. Straight to the giant tree.
    Hattie grabs onto a high rung and starts climbing.
    I watch until her feet disappear, my tail drooping. I sink back down. My Hattie does not belong in a tree. My Hattie belongs down here in the grass, chasing me. Or scooping me into her arms and showering me with kisses. Laughing, having the time of her life. Protesting when Fetch Man makes us leave the Dog Park to go home. That’s My Hattie.
    But this Hattie is up in that giant tree again. Does she really want to hang out with those nasty squirrels? With no loyal dog to keep her safe? And protect her from grave danger? What if something bad happens to her?
    Hey, wait a minute—that’s it! I run in circles. I know how to get My Hattie back!
    After all, I’m a professional. I’ll save her from dangerous squirrels! And Evil Humans! Why didn’t I think of it sooner? It’s the Best Idea Ever!
    She’ll remember how important I am, and she’ll change back to how she was before. She’ll be My Hattie again. Like she’s supposed to be. I spin and spin, every hair on my body itching to get to work. I’ll be on guard for the right opportunity. It’s only a matter of time.

    The next day, I follow Hattie around the house. When danger strikes, I’ll be ready.
    Hattie fishes the long jump rope out of her backpack. She zooms into the Bathtub Room, where Food Lady is hanging a wide curtain. Hattie holds out the jump rope. “Please?” she begs.
    Food Lady sighs and shakes her head.
    Hattie’s shoulders slump.
    We hop down the stairs. Fetch Man is in the Lounging Place banging on the wall. When Hattie calls out to him, he turns around.
    She shows him the jump rope. “Please?” she begs.
    Fetch Man sighs, too. He puts a hand on Hattie’s shoulder. He speaks to her in a gentle, hopeful voice. I catch one word.
    â€œAngel?”
    Hattie grimaces. She smells discouraged.
    I know how she feels. So far nothing around here looks or smells the least bit dangerous. I’m starting to think my plan to save her isn’t going to work when that terrifying sound comes from the front door again.
    Ding-dong!
    I spring into action. “Warning! Warning!” I bark,bravely rushing to the source of the danger. “Nobody go near that door.”
    Fetch Man heads right toward it like he doesn’t even hear me.
    â€œWatch out!” I bark. “It’s probably a grave threat to our safety—”
    Aha! A grave threat! This is my big chance to save Hattie.
    I hurry over to her. “Bad news! We’re all in jeopardy! Stay where you are. I’ll protect you.”
    I race back to Fetch Man, growling and snarling. Totally ignoring me, he opens the door like nothing is wrong. “Stand back!” I bark. “I can handle this. I’m a professional.”
    And sure enough, standing in front of us is an Evil Human wearing a hard hat on his head and dirty boots on his feet. He’s carrying a bag that’s heavy and bulging. One whiff reveals German Shepherd and telephone poles and a hint of ham sandwich. With mustard.
    And that’s not all. He’s whistling—a sure sign