That Furball Puppy and Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

needed a dog to protect the yard. Muffy used to watch for coyotes, but she’s gone now! They’ll put it outside later.” She sighed and nestled her cheek into the pillow. “Puppies are kind of pesky, but right now, you’re safe up here. He’s too short to jump up this high! Chill out! Curl up! Take a nap!”
    Callie wasn’t any help at all. A wiggly, fuzzy, yapping furball puppy was in
my
Mama’s lap and Callie wanted me to take a nap!
    The day was filled with excitement and happiness. Smiles and laughter were everywhere. Only, I wasn’t happy. I didn’t know why. There was this strange feeling inside of me every time I looked at the little furball. It made my tail flip. I didn’t like it. When they finally put the dog out in the yard, I felt a lot better. That part was wonderful! It was almost like it hadn’t come here in the first place.
    When it got dark, the excitement seemed to get all mixed up with sadness. The kids and the Grandkids began to pack up their stuff. They saidthat they had to leave in the morning so that they could get back to work. The living room was piled with boxes and suitcases.
    I tried to stay on the back of the couches and chairs when someone let the puppy in the house. The thing made this terrible yapping sound. He waggled his back end and scampered all over the place. It was safer up high. When the house settled down, Mama put towels in a big box and set it on the back porch. Then the puppy was put out for the night … they stuck me in the playroom.
    Clicking sounds hit against the window. I jumped on the windowsill to look out. The birdfeeder swayed in the breeze. Small pieces of white hit against the window. I watched as it began to cover the ground.
    â€œYap, yap,” the puppy yelled. “Help me! It’s cold out here! Let me in!”
    The yapping went on for a long time. I heard him begging to come into the house. I hopped down and peeked through the crack.
    Mama finally went to the door.
    â€œHey, pup. It’s okay. Just stay in the box. We have lots of towels and blankets in there. Settle down. You’re okay.”
    â€œYap, yap. I miss my mother. She was so soft and warm. Let me in.”
    Mama closed the door gently. As I peekedthrough the opening, I could still see her house shoes. Daddy’s bare feet moved near.
    â€œAre you going to leave him outside?”
    â€œI don’t know. I really don’t think we need a house dog. We have Gray. He comes and goes, but old Callie might be a problem. She is used to being left alone. The puppy would be all over her. I don’t know what to do.”
    â€œYap, yap! It’s really cold out here. I need my warm mother! Let me in!” The yapping sound kept going and going.
    The Mama and Daddy opened the door. Mama picked up the ball of fluff.
    â€œHe’s shaking!” Mama pouted and snuggled the furball close. “Look, it’s snowing out there. No wonder he’s cold. The towels can’t keep the dampness away from him.”
    Daddy’s toe pointed toward where I was watching from under the door.
    â€œHow about the playroom? Gray will leave him alone. We can put papers down and bring the box of towels inside for him to snuggle. I read that a ticking clock will comfort puppies. It’s supposed to remind them of their mother’s heartbeat, or something like that.” Daddy’s feet moved away, toward the hall.
    The door swung open. If that ugly beast was going to be in here—I wasn’t. I tried to slide pastthe foot that Mama put in my face. “Get back, Gray!”
    When I couldn’t get out, I ran to the couch. I hopped on the back, then onto the window ledge. The ball of fluff ran after me.
    â€œYap, yap! I want to play.” He stood on two back legs. His front legs wiggled and shook my couch. “Let me up! I want to play!”
    Mama stood for a long time watching. She picked the puppy up in her arms and