Dog Stories for Younger StudentsX(1)A(UB46zDpk1gEkAAAAMzU5...WOOF. WOOF. WOOF. “Even though it may look wonderful, it’s not good for you.” “Ah, pooh. You just want to keep

Dog Stories for Younger StudentsFrom haughty house dogs to precocious puppies, this reading set is full of delightful stories about dogs.Younger students will find many lessons to learn and a few laughs along the way.

Table of Contents

1. The Snowman and the Dog2. The Wolf and the House Dog3. Playful Puppies4. Dottie’s Thanksgiving Dinner5. Bo and the New Baby6. Erika and the Necklace7. My Birthday Wish8. Don’t Drink from That Pond!9. The Puppy Who Lost Her Wag

10. Molly and Buster

Dog Stories for Younger Students

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The Snowman and the Dog

The snowman opened his eyes. The air around him was crisp and cold. He watched the reddish sun sinkbehind the hill. The moon rose in its place.

WOOF. WOOF. WOOF.

The snowman looked down. “Hello, there. Who are you?”

WOOF. “I live here. I saw the children build you this morning. They packed the snow thick. You should lastthrough the whole winter.”

The snowman tried to move, but couldn’t. “How come you can move about and I can’t.”

The dog ran around the snowman. “That’s because you don’t have legs to walk or arms to wave.”

The snowman furrowed his brows of ash. “Well then, how do I get legs and arms so I can move? There’s awonderful crackling red and orange glow coming from that window in the house. I want to go to see it.”

WOOF. WOOF. “Oh, no. Even if you could move, you should never go near that red and orange glow. It’snot good for you.”

“What do you mean?” said the snowman. “If I can move I would surely go to that glow. It looks beautiful. It’salmost like it’s calling me.”

WOOF. WOOF. “Then,” said the dog, “it’s a good thing you can’t move. For if you went there, you wouldsurely be no more.”

All night, the snowman listened to the howling winds. He watched the red and orange glow dancing behindthe window. “I have to find a way to move. I want nothing more than to be near that glow.”

The dog who sat beside the snowman said one more time, “Don’t let your desire for that glow fool you. Itwill lead you to no good. Be thankful you can’t move.”

The snowman narrowed his eyes. “I will find a way to move. And, I will go to that glow.” The snowmanthought and thought. He looked all around. Then, his eyes lit up. “I have it. Will you fetch me thosebranches on the ground by that tree?”

WOOF. “This isn’t a good idea, but if that’s what you really want, I’ll do it.” The dog raced off and draggedthe branches to the snowman.



“Now, stand two of the branches up and push them under me.”

The dog did as the snowman asked.

“Now,” said the snowman, “take the other two branches and stick them in my sides.”

The dog did as the snowman asked.

The snowman closed his eyes. He thought and thought and thought about those branches turning into legsand arms. When he opened his eyes, he could move. “It worked! I can move!” He shuffled toward the redand orange glow.”

WOOF. WOOF. WOOF. “Even though it may look wonderful, it’s not good for you.”

“Ah, pooh. You just want to keep it for yourself.” The snowman continued toward the glow.

The dog watched.

The snowman got to the window. He lifted it up and crawled inside. “See, I told you I’d get to see the redand orange glow,” he yelled to the dog.

The snowman began to drip. “Dog,” he yelled. “What’s happening?”

The dog jumped on the ledge of the window. “I told you that the glow wasn’t good for you. But, you wouldn’tlisten. That glow is fire. It’s melting you.”

“Nooooo!” screamed the snowman. He tried to run away, but it was too late.

The dog shook his head. “Not everything that glitters is good for you.”



Questions

1. What time of year was it?

2. Who built the snowman?

3. Where was the red and orange glow that the snowman wanted to go to?

4. Why did the dog warn the snowman not to go near the glow?



Vocabulary List

Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, payattention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.

1. furrowed2. crackling3. glow4. shuffled



Context Clues

Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word inboldface.

1) “The snowman furrowed his brows of ash.”

a. removed; dropped b. added c. wrinkled; crumpled d. wiped or rubbed

2) “'There’s a wonderful crackling red and orange glow coming from that window'”

a. snapping or popping b. exploding c. singing; making noise d. cooking; baking

3) “'There’s a wonderful crackling red and orange glow coming from that window'”

a. worm b. girl or lady c. large bird d. gleam

4) “He shuffled toward the red and orange glow.”

a. ran; galloped b. stumbled; walked slowly c. danced d. waved or saluted



The Wolf and the House Dogby Aesop from The Aesop for Children

There was once a Wolf who got very little to eat because the Dogs of the village were so wide awake andwatchful. He was really nothing but skin and bones, and it made him very downhearted to think of it.

One night this Wolf happened to fall in with a fine fat House Dog who had wandered a little too far fromhome. The Wolf would gladly have eaten him then and there, but the House Dog looked strong enough toleave his marks should he try it. So the Wolf spoke very humbly to the Dog, complimenting him on his fineappearance.

"You can be as well-fed as I am if you want to," replied the Dog. "Leave the woods; there you livemiserably. Why, you have to fight hard for every bite you get. Follow my example and you will get alongbeautifully."

"What must I do?" asked the Wolf.

"Hardly anything," answered the House Dog. "Chase people who carry canes, bark at beggars, and fawnon the people of the house. In return you will get tidbits of every kind, chicken bones, choice bits of meat,sugar, cake, and much more beside, not to speak of kind words and caresses."

The Wolf had such a beautiful vision of his coming happiness that he almost wept. But just then he noticedthat the hair on the Dog's neck was worn and the skin was chafed.

"What is that on your neck?"

"Nothing at all," replied the Dog.

"What! nothing!"

"Oh, just a trifle!"

"But please tell me."

"Perhaps you see the mark of the collar to which my chain is fastened."

"What! A chain!" cried the Wolf. "Don't you go wherever you please?"

"Not always! But what's the difference?" replied the Dog.

"All the difference in the world! I don't care a rap for your feasts and I wouldn't take all the tender young



lambs in the world at that price." And away ran the Wolf to the woods.

There is nothing worth so much as liberty.



Questions

1. What does liberty mean?

2. What does "trifle" mean when the Dog says the mark from his collar is "just a trifle"?

3. What was one thing the Dog told the Wolf he must do if he was to live among people?

4. Why do you think the idea of a chain upsets the Wolf?



Vocabulary List


1. humbly 2. fawn 3. caresses 4. chafed 5. trifle



Context Clues


1. "So the Wolf spoke very humbly to the Dog, complimenting him on his fine appearance"

a. crossly; crabbily b. happily; joyfully c. meekly or respectfully d. softly or quietly

2. "'bark at beggars, and fawn on the people of the house'"

a. baby deer b. spy or watch c. cry or howl d. obey or pay attention

3. "'and much more beside, not to speak of kind words and caresses.'"

a. pats or petting b. treats or goodies c. blankets or beds d. toys or games

4. “the hair on the Dog's neck was worn and the skin was chafed”

a. dark or black b. smooth; silky c. irritated; scratched d. spotted or freckled

5. "'Oh, just a trifle!'"

a. insect or spider b. tiny bit; little thing c. wart or bump d. sweet dessert



Playful Puppiesby RV Staff Writer J.C.

As soon as Ava left her bedroom, something funny happened. The big basket of toys in her roommoved! It fell over. Out spilled one stuffed puppy dog, then two, then three! One dog was blue, thesecond was red, and the third puppy was yellow.

They wagged their tails and barked. They were happy to be out of the basket. The little toy puppieswanted to run and play!

“Where can we go?” asked the blue puppy.

“Come here!” said the red puppy. It ran under Ava’s bed. The other puppies ran, too.

“It is dark in here,” said the yellow pup. “I cannot see very well!”

“Look at this!” said the blue puppy.

“What did you find?” asked the red dog.

The blue puppy found a pink ball. He pushed it. The ball rolled away. The puppies chased it aroundthe room. This was fun! When the ball rolled under the bed again, the puppies did not want to get it.

“Look at me!” said the yellow puppy. “See what I can do! I can jump up so high!” The two otherpuppies looked. The yellow puppy had jumped up onto Ava’s bed.

“That is a big jump,” said the red pup. “I don’t know if I can make it. I am little. Can you please helpme jump up?”

“I will help you,” said the blue puppy. “Hop on my back. That will make it easy for you to get up.”The red dog hopped on top of the blue dog. Then he jumped onto the bed and barked happily.

The blue puppy was next. He ran and made a big jump. The other dogs grabbed him by his earsand helped pull him up. “Thank you!” said the blue puppy. The three dogs all sat down together onAva’s pillow.

The blue puppy said, “How will we get down?”

Ava came back to her room. When she opened the door, she saw the three puppies sitting on herbed. “How did they get there?” she said. But, of course, the toy puppies did not answer!



Questions

1. What colors are the toy puppies?

2. What did the puppies play with?

3. Why didn’t the dogs want to get the ball back from under the bed?

4. How did the red pup get up onto the bed?



Dottie’s Thanksgiving Dinnerby RV staff writer J.C.

Dottie the Dalmatian puppy knew today was special. The nice house she lived in with the Johnston familywas so busy! It was Thanksgiving, and everyone was getting ready for a big dinner. The children weremaking paper turkeys at the craft table. The doorbell kept ringing as cousins, grandparents, uncles, andaunts all came to visit.

And the kitchen! Such amazing smells were coming from the oven! Dottie was not allowed to be in thekitchen today. Mom said that she would get in the way. Dad said she would lick everything she could reach.They were both right. Dottie wished she could get in there and smell the turkey up close. And, of course,she would give it a good lick if she could!

The children had been instructed to keep the dog out of the way. They did, at first. They played Fetch withher favorite ball. However, once their cousins arrived, they forgot about Dottie and started playing with eachother. The dog got closer and closer to the kitchen. She tried to keep her paws silent on the floor.Everything smelled so good! On the edge of the counter was a plate filled with slices of ham. Dottie jumpedup on her back legs and stuck her nose in the plate. Before she had a chance to eat it, Dad saw her.

“No! Leave that alone, Dottie! No food for you,” he said. He made the dog leave. Dottie was sorry she didn’tget to taste any ham. “You can’t be in here. Go outside,” continued Dad. He let her out into the yard wheresome family members were playing football. Dottie smiled, her tongue hanging out. This was good! Sheliked running. She grabbed the football from a small boy and wouldn’t give it back. He started to cry, andDottie got in trouble.

“That’s enough, Dottie,” said Uncle Bill, taking the ball away from her. “Maybe you should go back in.” Heopened the door again, and the sad pup went inside.

She walked to where some of the children were making turkey feathers from brown and yellow paper.“Here, Dottie. Wear these!” The children laughed, putting the feathers around her collar. “Now you are aturkey!” Dottie was not happy. She shook her head until the paper feathers fell off. This was not fun. Shedecided to go someplace quiet.

The spotted puppy wandered into the dining room. No one was there. The table was set with clean dishesand glasses. In the middle of the tablecloth was a vase with pretty flowers and pine cones in it.

Dottie went under the table. The tablecloth was so long that it hung down to the ground. She curled up andclosed her eyes. This was a good place for a snooze, she thought. She would be hidden away from thosesilly kids. Dottie fell asleep.

In the kitchen, Mom wiped her hands on her apron. Everything was ready. She and Dad began carrying big



bowls and plates of delicious food into the dining room. There was a lot to eat! “Before we get started, weshould take a family picture,” suggested Mom. Dad agreed. They went to tell everyone to go outside for aThanksgiving photo together.

Dottie’s nose woke up before she did. It twitched, smelling the wonderful aroma of many kinds of food. Shecame out from under the table. Her tail began wagging when she saw all the food in front of her. She lookedaround. The house was empty.

She remembered what Dad had said. “No food for you.” He was wrong.

Oh, YES, food for me! thought Dottie, excitedly. She reached her mouth close to the nearest plate. It wasturkey. She gave it a little lick. Nom, nom, nom! Dottie wanted more.

She ripped off a turkey leg and wolfed it down. It was the best thing she had ever eaten! She jumped upand ate some of the sliced ham. It was delicious, too. She tasted the cranberry sauce, the stuffing, thecorn, and the green beans. Dottie had never been so happy in her whole life.

“Oh my goodness,” said a quiet voice. It was Aunt Colleen. She walked back out of the room and called therest of family to come and see. They could not believe their eyes.

The dog was standing on the table, ears deep in mashed potatoes and gravy. There was red cranberrysauce on the carpet. The flowers and pine cones had spilled over. The turkey and ham had been eaten.Most of the other food had been tasted and was splattered all over the table. Dottie’s tail stopped waggingwhen she noticed the people in the room.

Uh-oh, she thought.

“She’s ruined dinner,” sobbed Mom. “I’ve been cooking all day. There’s no time to make more food now!” She ran upstairs, crying.

Dottie got off the table. She rolled onto her back with her legs in the air. She did not feel so good. “That doglooks like she’s going to explode,” laughed one of the cousins.

“What are we going to do?” Aunt Colleen worried. “All the restaurants are closed today.”

Dad didn’t know what to do. It was terrible, but it was also kind of funny. They needed a solution, and fast.How was he going to feed all these people? Thankfully, he had an idea.

“Well, I guess Dottie has had her dinner,” he laughed. “So we should have ours next. It’s a good thing thepizza place still delivers!”



Questions

1. Give an example of how the family was celebrating Thanksgiving.

2. Put the dog’s activities in order: a) Mom cried and ran upstairs. b) Dad told her to stay out of the kitchen. c) The dog jumped on the table and ate all the Thanksgiving dinner. d) She took a nap. e) She tried to play football and took it away from a small boy. f) The children stuck paper turkey feathers on her collar.

3. What happened when Dottie was left alone in the dining room with the food?

4. What was Dad’s solution to the problem of a ruined dinner?



Vocabulary List


1. instructed2. wandered3. snooze4. aroma5. wolfed6. sobbed7. solution



Context Clues


1) The children had been instructed to keep the dog out of the way.

a. told b. asked c. invited d. taught

2) The spotted puppy wandered into the dining room.

a. walked quickly b. walked slowly c. walked in one direction d. walked aimlessly

3) This was a good place for a snooze, she thought.

a. snack b. rest c. bit of quiet d. party

4) Dottie’s nose woke up before she did. It twitched, smelling the wonderful aroma of many kinds of food.

a. taste b. sight c. sound d. scent

5) She ripped off a turkey leg and wolfed it down.

a. ate slowly b. ate quickly c. ate carefully d. ate daintily

6) “She’s ruined dinner,” sobbed Mom.

a. yelled b. complained c. cried d. laughed

7) They needed a solution, and fast. How was he going to feed all these people?

a. liquid b. dinner c. answer d. question



Bo and the New Babyby Elizabeth Trach

Bo was a white dog with black spots. He lived in a red house with Max and Mary. Max and Mary weregrown ups who liked to take Bo on long walks. They would play Frisbee in the park with Bo evening. Aftertheir walks, they all sat on the sofa and watched the news. Bo liked to put his head in Mary's lap.

One day, Mary and Max were late coming home. Mrs. Smith, the nice lady from next door, came over tofeed Bo. "Max and Mary will be home in a few days. I'll be visiting you until then" she said.

Bo sat on the sofa alone and waited. He could not turn on the TV, so the house was very quiet.

Just when Bo thought he couldn't wait any longer, the front door opened. Max and Mary came in the door.She was carrying a big blanket. Bo jumped up to see what she had brought him, but she snatched it out ofthe way. "Down, Bo!"

Bo sat and waited. He was a good dog and always did what Mary said.

Max took the bundle of blankets from Mary and showed it to Bo. "Meet the baby, Bo," said Max.

Bo looked at the blanket and was surprised to see a very small face. He wagged his tail and licked thebaby's nose.

The baby cried.

"No, Bo!" said Max. "No licking!"

Licking? That was a kiss, thought Bo. He stopped wagging his tail and walked away.

For the next two weeks, Bo didn't go on many walks. When he did, it was with either Max or Mary, neverboth. They didn't play Frisbee or watch the news anymore. Worst of all, he wasn't allowed to sit on the sofawhen the baby was there.

One day, Mary put the baby in a special seat. The seat had funny toys that would dance when Max or Marytapped them. The baby was sleeping.

Then Bo heard a funny sound. The baby was waking up, and she started cry. Mary was still in thebathroom.

Bo walked over to the chair. He knew he should not lick the baby. He looked at the funny toys and bumpedthem with his nose. They danced, just like when Max and Mary tapped them.



The baby stopped crying. She looked at the toys. Bo bumped them again. Every time the toys stopped, Bobumped them with his nose so they would dance again.

Mary came out of the bathroom and picked up the baby. She saw that Bo was helping keep the babyhappy. "Thank you, Bo. You are a very good dog." She gave Bo a pat on the head.

Bo looked up at the baby. The baby giggled. Maybe the baby wasn't so bad after all.



Questions

1. What does snatched mean here: "but she snatched it out of the way"?

2. How does Bo feel about the baby at first?

3. How does Bo help the baby?

4. Do you think the baby and Bo will become friends? Why?



Erika and the Necklace

Erika and her little sister sneaked into their mommy’s room. “I’m just going to try on some jewelry,”said Erika. She took a necklace and tried to put it on her neck.

“Oh, no,’ said Beth. “Mommy doesn’t like us playing with her stuff.”

“Okay, you be the lookout,” instructed Erika. “Stand by the door and let me know if Mommy comesup the stairs.”

Before Beth got to the door, Bouncer, the family’s Bernadoodle, bounded into the room and almostknocked Erika down. The necklace went flying. It had barely hit the floor when Bouncer chompeddown on it and raced off.

“Bouncer! Bouncer!” yelled Erika. “Beth, help me get the necklace back.”

The girls were hot on Bouncer’s tail. “Stop!” they yelled.

Bouncer jetted down the stairs and into the living room. He stopped just long enough for the girls toget close to him. Then off he went.

“Stop!” yelled Erika. “Beth, you go the other way. We’ll corner him in the dining room.”

Erika met Beth in the dining room. Sure enough, Bouncer was there waiting for them. He was downlow on his front legs with his tail in the air, ready to play. “Grab him!” screamed Erika.

Just as Beth was about to grab him, Bouncer took off. He whizzed by Beth and Erika. “Stop, yousilly dog!” yelled Erika as she raced after him.

The girls were getting close again, but Bouncer zoomed down the basement stairs. The girls racedafter him.

“I don’t see him,” said Beth.

Erika scratched her head. “He’s got to be down here. He’s hiding.”

Just then Mom called to the girls. “Erika what’s all the ruckus. What’s wrong? I heard you from theyard.”

“Uh, oh,” whispered Erika. “Uh . . . nothing’s wrong,” she shouted.

Beth dashed up the stairs. Erika heard her telling Mom everything. “That blabber mouth,” said Erikaunder her breath.



“ERIKA!” said Mom. “Up here right now.”

Erika looked back and saw Bouncer peeking out from behind the couch. “You troublemaker,” shegrowled at him. She went to her mother.

“Where is he now?” asked Mom.

“He’s in the basement somewhere. He won’t come to us.” Erika shook her head. “Wait! I know whatto do.” She went to the canister on the kitchen counter and took out a treat. Mom and Beth followedher into the basement.

“Bouncer,” called Erika. “Come here, boy. I’ve got a treat for you.”

Lickety-split, Bouncer was at Erika’s feet. “What do you have, boy?” She grabbed his collar andpulled the necklace from his mouth. “Good boy. Here you go.” Erika gave Bouncer the treat andhanded the necklace to Mom.

“You should know better,” said Mom. “My necklace could have been broken. Now it’s got dog droolall over it. You’re punished. No iPad or TV for three days. And don’t get Beth involved in yourmischief again.”

“Sorry, Mom.” Erika dragged herself up the stairs and into the yard. Bouncer followed. He nudgedher arm to pet him. “You’re a troublemaker. Go away.”

Bouncer got his ball and brought it to Erika. He sat in front of her and dropped the ball.

“Oh, okay,” said Erika. “It’s not really your fault. I shouldn’t have touched Mom’s stuff.” She took theball and threw it. Bouncer galloped after it.



Questions

1. Was it okay for Erika to take her mother’s necklace?

2. Why do you think Bouncer was waiting for the girls in the dining room?

3. What does lickety-split mean?

4. Was Erika right to blame Bouncer? Why or why not?



My Birthday Wishby RV staff writer J.C.

I was sitting at the dinner table with my family. Without warning, my brother smiled and turned downthe kitchen lights so we all were sitting in partial darkness. Then my mom walked over, carrying abig, chocolate cake decorated with red icing and sprinkles. The cake was lit up with ten birthdaycandles, and everyone started singing to me!

My favorite part of birthdays is getting the chance to make a wish. Sometimes they come true, andsometimes they don’t, but the fun of waiting and hoping makes me happy. It’s like magic is in the airor something. Maybe I’m too old to believe in magic and wishes, but I don’t care. I still do it.

I closed my eyes, made my wish, and blew. My grandparents clapped and my little sister stuck herchubby finger into the puffy clouds of icing. She’s always doing dumb things like that. Mom took thecake away to cut it into slices. She gave me the first piece, and it was awesome. Chocolate withvanilla cream in the middle – delicious.

Ding, dong! The doorbell rang. We weren’t expecting anybody else. “Why don’t you go answer thedoor, kiddo?” suggested Dad. He likes calling me kiddo. Mom says it’s because he’s always callingus kids by the wrong names. I frowned, trying to think. Was this a trick? Was I about to getpranked?

“Okay,” I said slowly and headed for the door. I couldn’t see anybody through the glass window.Cautiously I opened the door. There was a large box on the doorstep decorated with a tag on it thatread, “Happy Birthday! Open me!”

“What’s this?” Now I was confused, but excited. The box wasn’t very heavy, so I brought it inside.My family crowded all around me.

“What is it?” asked my grandma.

“Open it!” My brother was impatient, as usual.

“Box, box!” yelled my little sister, trying to get her hands on it.

“Hold on, everybody,” I said. I took a deep breath to calm myself down.

I put the box on the floor and kneeled over it. Slowly I opened the top flaps. I peered into thedarkness. It looked like the box was empty. Except – except that it wasn’t. There were a pair of big,beautiful brown eyes staring back at me. And a pair of floppy ears. And a wagging tail that seemedlike it would never stop.

My heart melted as I picked it up and cradled its warm, wiggly body in my arms. “A puppy,” I



whispered. My eyes stung as I felt tiny pricks of happy tears gathering. I couldn’t believe it. I hadbeen wanting a dog forever.

As I cuddled the pup and it licked my nose, I knew that, no matter what anyone else says, wishessometimes do come true.



Questions

1. Which family members were at the birthday party?

2. Put the events of the story in order:

a) I put the box on the floor and opened it.

b) My brother turned down the lights.

c) The pup licked my nose.

d) I blew out the birthday candles.

e) I brought the box inside.

f) The doorbell rang.

3. How did the birthday child feel when they saw the puppy?

4. If you could have a birthday wish come true, what would it be?



Don’t Drink from That Pond!

Daisy the cat strolled into the living room and went to the bottom shelf of the end table. Mrs. Wiggles kepther knitting basket there. The cat poked the top of the basket with her paws until it opened.

“Daisy,” yelled Bruce. “You know you’re not allowed to touch that.”

“Oh, be quiet, old dog. You never want to have fun. All you do is lay around.” Daisy grabbed a ball of yarnand played with it all through the house.

The yarn unraveled and left a trail over the sofa, under the snack table, and through the dining room. Itwent on through the kitchen, up the stairs, and in the bedrooms.

“Woohoo!” hollered Daisy. “That was fun!” She pranced back into the living room and onto the sofa.

Bruce sat up. “You’ll be in trouble when Mrs. Wiggles gets home.”

“She’ll have to catch me.” Something suddenly caught Daisy’s attention. “Oh, boy. There’s a package ofmeat on the kitchen counter.” She jumped off the sofa and bounded into the kitchen. Jumping onto thechair, she leapt onto the counter.

“NO!” screamed Bruce. “Don’t do it. That’s for Mrs. Wiggles’ dinner. Listen to me!”

Daisy ignored the old dog. She tore into the package of meat. As she finished the last bit, she licked herlips. “Yummmm. That was DELICIOUS!”

Bruce shook his head. “That was horrible. Mrs. Wiggles’ doesn’t have a lot of money. She bought that meatto make meatloaf for the week.”

“Ha! I feel like causing trouble today.” Daisy jumped off the counter and raced out into the yard. Sheglanced over at a pond. “Hey, Bruce. Do you know where that pond came from? I don’t remember everseeing it.”

“No,” said Bruce as he moved closer to the pond. “It doesn’t look right. There’s a funny yellowish film overit. You’d better stay away from it.”

Daisy walked around the pond. She sniffed it. She dipped her paw in it. “It seems fine. I think I’ll take adrink.”

“Don’t do it! You don’t know what’s in it,” warned Bruce.

Daisy looked over her shoulder at Bruce. She put her mouth just above the water then took a drink.



POOF!

“Oh, no,” said Daisy. “I feel funny.”

Bruce inched toward Daisy. He sniffed her then backed up. “You’re not a cat anymore.”

The hair on Daisy’s back would normally rise when she was scared. Her tail would slink between her legs.But none of that happened.

Daisy looked in the pond . . . a frog looked back. “AHHHHHHHHHH!” she screamed. “I should have listenedto you, Bruce!”



Questions

1. What does bounded mean here: “She jumped off the sofa and bounded into the kitchen.”

2. What are two adjectives that describe Bruce? What are two that describe Daisy?

3. What happened when Daisy drank from the pond?

4. What do you think the moral of the story is?



Vocabulary List


1. Strolled

2. Unraveled

3. Hollered

4. Bounded

5. Glanced

6. Inched

7. Normally



Context Clues


1. “Daisy the cat strolled into the living room and went to the bottom shelf of the end table.”

a. rode in a stroller b. skated c. slid d. walked slowly

2. “The yarn unraveled and left a trail over the sofa, under the snack table, and through the dining room. Itwent on through the kitchen, up the stairs, and in the bedrooms.”

a. got tangled b. came undone c. broke d. rolled

3. “Woohoo!” hollered Daisy. “That was fun!” She pranced back into the living room and onto the sofa.

a. joked b. cried c. yelled d. imagined

4. “She jumped off the sofa and bounded into the kitchen. Jumping onto the chair, she leapt onto thecounter.”

a. fell b. danced c. jumped d. rode

5. “She glanced over at a pond.”

a. looked quickly b. stared c. wandered d. swam

6. “Bruce inched toward Daisy.”

a. moved little by little b. ran c. leapt d. walked

7. “The hair on Daisy’s back would normally rise when she was scared. Her tail would slink between herlegs.”

a. always b. usually c. never d. once in a while



The Puppy Who Lost Her Wagby RV Staff Writer J.C.

Cookie loved to play with her seven brothers and sisters. They would play and wrestle with eachother until they were too tired to play anymore. Then the puppies would cuddle up and take napstogether. It was nice to always have someone to be with, and Cookie’s tail was always wagging withhappiness.

One day, the puppies were out in the backyard. It was bath time. The man who lived in the housewas going to sell the puppies, and he wanted them to be nice and clean. Gently he would pick upone puppy at a time and put in in the plastic tub. Then he washed the pup until it was covered insoft white bubbles. Some of the puppies wiggled and squirmed, trying to get away. Some enjoyed itand let their pink tongues hang out, smiling. Cookie wasn’t too sure about the bathwater and thesoapy bubbles, so she stayed back and watched from a distance.

As she was waiting for her turn, she noticed a beautiful orange butterfly float past. Her grey earsperked up and she snapped playfully at it. She missed, but her tail kept wagging. This was fun!Cookie followed the pretty bug as it fluttered through the air, to the fence at the end of the yard, andthen over it. Cookie was not big enough to climb over it, but her sharp eyes spotted a hole in thefence where the wood had broken off. It wasn’t a very big hole, but Cookie wasn’t a very big pup,so she scooted underneath it. She found the butterfly again and bounced along behind it, her tailwagging happily behind her. She didn’t realize she was heading into the small woods behind herneighborhood.

By the time she discovered she was lost, it was too late. The little pup walked in circles, but didn’tknow which way was home. She tried sniffing the air, but it all smelled the same, like pine trees andlavender. Nothing seemed familiar. Her tail slowly stopped wagging.

Cookie took a deep breath and tried to be brave. She put her nose to the ground and sniffed. Shethought she smelled an animal. It did not smell like her brothers and sisters, but maybe this animalmight be able to help. She followed the scent trail and soon found a rabbit.

“Hello,” said Cookie. “I am lost. Do you know where I live?”

The rabbit’s nose twitched. “Do you live here in the forest? I have not seen you before.”

“No. I lived in a house with my brothers and sisters. Then I followed a butterfly past the fence, andnow I am quite lost.” Her tail hung low and did not wag. Cookie tried not to cry.

The rabbit’s ears moved while it was thinking. “At the edge of the woods there are many houses withfences. I do not know which one is yours. If you like, I can take you to one.”

“Yes, please,” replied the sad pup.



“I’ll take you to the one with the nicest garden. It has the best carrots!” said the rabbit. It hoppedaway, and the little grey pup followed closely. They travelled through the woods for a while, andCookie tried not to be distracted by the pretty flowers and birds she saw. It was all very interesting,but the puppy’s tail still would not wag.

After some time, they came out of the woods. Cookie could see a long wooden fence and the topsof some houses. The fence looked a little like her own, but she was not sure. The rabbit urged herforward. They ducked under the fence where the rabbit had dug a hole in order to visit this garden.

The puppy looked around. She shook her head sadly at the rabbit. “This is not my backyard. I amstill lost.”

The rabbit shrugged. “Well, at least have a carrot with me. These are really the sweetest.” Hepulled two out of the ground and gave one to Cookie. After a few hesitant licks, the pup took a biteand found it quite tasty. She ate the whole thing and licked her lips.

“Thank you. That was very good. But I think I need to keep looking. My tail has lost its wag, and Iam still feeling sad and alone. Goodbye.” Cookie left the rabbit in the garden and walked over to thehouse next door.

In the front yard was a gray striped cat. It did not look friendly, but Cookie tried anyway. “Hello, I’mlost and –”

“MEOW!” the cat arched its back and hissed at the pup. Cookie ran away, her tail tucked under herlegs.

She wandered down the sidewalk, passing several houses. None of them looked right. The pupbegan to cry. Then she heard something. It sounded like little hiccups. There, sitting on the frontsteps of a house was a young girl. She was crying softly into some tissues. There were big boxespiled up around her and a large truck in the driveway. Curious, Cookie walked over to her.

“Why are you crying?” asked Cookie. She didn’t know if the girl would understand her. The girllooked up, surprised to see the little grey pup barking softly at her. She could tell the pup was kindand seemed concerned.

“We just moved here, and I don’t know anybody. I don’t have any friends, and I’m so lonely!” Thegirl wailed, wiping her nose with her tissues. Looking at the pup more carefully, the girl saw the sadlook in the pup’s eyes.

“Why are you crying?” asked the girl.

“I was going to have a bath but then I followed a butterfly. I got lost in the woods and then there wasa nice rabbit and a mean cat. I’m still lost, and I don’t have a home. I’m so lonely too!” Cookie triedto explain in barks and yips. The girl didn’t know what the dog said, so Cookie simply moved closerand sat down on the step beside her.



The girl reached out her hand and stroked the dog’s soft fur. Then she scratched Cookie behind theear, exactly where the pup liked it. Cookie moved even closer and rested her head on the girl’sknee. The girl blew her nose into the tissues once more.

“We could be friends,” suggested the girl. “That way, we would not be so lonely.” Cookie let hertongue hang out and smiled at her. “Maybe my parents would even let you live here with us. Thenyou would have a home again.”

Cookie got excited thinking about it. A feeling of happiness began to spread across her body. As itspread, the pup felt something moving behind her. Her tail began to wag. It wagged faster andfaster and would not stop!

“What do you think?” asked the girl. “Would you like to live with me and be best friends?”

“YES!” barked Cookie, and she licked the girl on the cheek.



Questions

1. How did the puppy get lost?

2. What emotion does the pup’s wagging tail represent?

3. What does “lost her wag” mean?

4. Do you think the dog and the girl could understand each other? Explain why you think this.



Molly and Busterby Elizabeth Trach

Molly was a fluffy grey cat. She liked to lap up sweet cream for breakfast. When Molly was ready to rest,she would curl up on Mrs. Marks’ lap. Sometimes this made Mrs. Marks say "tsk tsk" when Molly gottangled in her knitting.

Molly was very happy. While Mrs. Marks was at work during the day, Molly liked to sit in the window. Sheliked when things were very quiet.

One rainy day, Mrs. Marks came home early. She was holding a box. "Molly," said Mrs. Marks, "I have asurprise for you!"

Molly jumped down from the window and rubbed her nose against Mrs. Marks' leg to say hello.

Mrs. Marks put down the box. Molly was a curious cat. She poked her nose inside the box to sniff.

Suddenly, Molly's nose was being licked!

Molly jumped back. She did not like surprises. She also did not like being wet.

Mrs. Marks lifted a small brown puppy out of the box. She placed the puppy on the floor. "This is Buster,"said Mrs. Marks.

Buster wagged his tail so much that his whole body wiggled.

Molly stepped back and blinked. The fur on her back stood up.

"Now, Molly," said Mrs. Marks. "You be nice. Buster is your new friend."

Molly ran and hid under the bed. She did not want a new friend if it meant being licked.

Later that night, Molly heard a soft whining sound. She crawled out from under the bed and walked towardit.

Buster was sitting on the floor. He looked very sad.

"What's wrong?" asked Molly.

"I miss my mother," said Buster. He was crying.



"I am sorry," said Molly. She remembered when she was a kitten and left her mother to live with Mrs.Marks. She stepped closer to Buster. "It will be all right. Mrs. Marks makes a very good mother. She willfeed you and play with you tomorrow."

"But I feel lonely right now," said Buster.

Molly thought. "I will sleep next to you tonight," she said. "But you have to promise not to lick me."

"Those are kisses," said Buster. "But if you don't like them, I will stop."

"Good," said Molly. She curled up next to Buster. Soon he was asleep.

Molly was very comfortable. "I like having a new friend after all," she thought.

And she fell fast asleep.



Questions

1. Why doesn’t Molly like Buster in the beginning?

2. Molly likes a quiet life. Do you think Buster will change that? If so, how? If not, why not?

3. Why did Molly decide to help Buster?

4. Who do you think needed a friend the most: Molly or Buster? Why?



Vocabulary List


1. Tangled

2. Curious

3. Wiggled

4. Promise

5. Comfortable



Context Clues


1. “Sometimes this made Mrs. Marks say, "tsk tsk" when Molly got tangled in her knitting.”

a. mixed up b. sleepy c. hurt d. hungry

2. “Mrs. Marks put down the box. Molly was a curious cat.”

a. silly b. sly c. nosey d. furry

3. “Buster wagged his tail so much that his whole body wiggled.”

a. froze b. shook c. went limp d. fell

4. “Molly thought. "I will sleep next to you tonight," she said. "But you have to promise not to lick me."

a. vow b. try c. refuse d. wish

5. “Molly was very comfortable. "I like having a new friend after all," she thought.”

a. glad b. nervous c. worried d. cozy



Documents

Dog Stories for Younger StudentsX(1)A(UB46zDpk1gEkAAAAMzU5...WOOF. WOOF. WOOF. “Even though it may look wonderful, it’s not good for you.” “Ah, pooh. You just want to keep