The Mystery at the Dog Show Read Online Free PDF Page B

hastily back through the benching area and went to join their grandfather. Mrs. Teague was already there with Grandfather Alden. Through binoculars, she was watching all the different breeds of dogs that were to be shown being led first into the arena and then to their show rings.
    â€œJust in time,” Grandfather said.
    â€œAren’t you supposed to be with Sunny?” Violet asked as they all took their seats.
    Mrs. Teague lowered her binoculars and leaned back. “I’ll go to ringside when her breed, the golden retrievers, is about to be judged. Meanwhile, I’m going to enjoy the dog show from here, with all of you!”
    Although they had already seen many, many kinds of dogs in the benching area, the Aldens were amazed to see even more breeds of dogs being led into the rings. Mrs. Teague explained about all the different breeds and told them stories about some of the dogs she knew. One dog had saved her master’s life by waking him up when a fire started in the hotel where he was staying. Another dog made visits to children who were sick in the hospital.
    The Aldens watched and listened and applauded. At last it was time for the golden retrievers. Mrs. Teague hurried down to the ring as the beautiful golden dogs were being led in.
    â€œLook, there’s Caryn!” cried Jessica.
    Caryn was wearing pants and a jacket that exactly matched Sunny’s coat. She had on flat black shoes and a soft white blouse, and her golden hair was pulled back with a red bow.
    â€œCaryn’s all dressed up,” Benny said. “She’s as pretty as Sunny!”
    The other Aldens laughed and Benny laughed, too, although he wasn’t sure why everyone was laughing.
    The judge made a motion, and the handlers led their dogs in a circle around the ring. Then they all stopped at one side.
    When the judge signaled, each handler and dog came forward, one pair at a time. The judge looked in each dog’s mouth and ears and ran her hands over the dog’s body. Afterwards, the handler walked the dog around the ring while the judge studied the way the dog moved and acted.
    When Sunny’s turn came, she stood proudly, her tail wagging slightly while the judge examined her. As Caryn led her in a circle around the ring, the Aldens clapped and cheered.
    â€œI hope she wins,” said Henry.
    â€œShe’s the best dog, no matter what,” said Violet loyally.
    One by one the judge eliminated all the dogs except Sunny and a male golden retriever.
    â€œHe’s a champion, too,” said Jessie, studying her program.
    The other dog finished his circle of the ring. Now the two dogs stood at attention at the side of the ring. The judge rubbed her chin. She walked back and forth between the two dogs. Then she made a motion for the dogs to walk around the ring again.
    The two handlers led their dogs in a circle once more. As they passed the judge, she held up one finger to signal number 1, and pointed to Sunny, then two fingers and pointed to the other dog.
    â€œSunny won!” cried Henry.
    â€œHooray, hooray!” Benny shouted. They applauded as the judge handed a big blue ribbon to Caryn. Photographers took pictures of the new Greenfield Dog Show Champion Golden Retriever from every angle.
    The Aldens watched as Caryn led Sunny out of the ring. Mrs. Teague hugged Caryn first, and then Sunny.
    â€œLet’s go down and meet the Teagues and Sunny in the benching area,” suggested Grandfather Alden.
    â€œOh, boy,” said Benny. Hopping up and down with excitement, he led the way out of the viewing stands and back to the benching area where the golden retrievers were staying.
    On their way, they saw two familiar faces. “Woof,” said a friendly dog voice.
    â€œOh, it’s Plum,” said Violet, reaching out to pat the eager sheepdog’s head.
    â€œCongratulations,” said an icy voice that didn’t sound as if it meant the word at all.
    At the other end of