Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Ferrell

right. This kid was funny. “I think it would probably only confuse him. Besides, Mouse is gray and white. Mice are gray, so the name fits him, don’t you think?”
    The boy followed her, tugging at his dog. “Come on, Mouse. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Yes, his color is very rare. Very few Saint Bernards are gray. Did you know a Saint Bernard is never a solid color? Not if it’s a true Saint Bernard. There was another movie—”
    Kate increased her pace, leaving her friends to appreciate the recitation of the movie facts. She’d planned to work with the dog in the barn, but he’d probably terrify the horses. The outdoor arena would definitely be better.
    She rounded the corner and almost ran into Pete. “Hey, buddy, what’s going on?”
    The little boy was sitting on the grass next to his wading pool. He loved dipping his pail into the water and pouring it out, time after time. Something about the sound of the splashing water soothed him. Her mom sat nearby, reading a book in the shade.
    â€œHi, Mom.”
    Her mother looked up. “Hi, sweetie. What are you kids up to? Mrs. Jamison said you did really well with your lesson. You know we’ll need to start cleaning stalls and feeding the horses in a couple of hours.”
    â€œYeah, I know. We’re going to help Jake Meyers with his dog.”
    She set her book down. “And who is Jake Meyers?”
    Kate waved behind her as Colt led Jake, Mouse, and the girls toward them. “That’s Jake and his dog, Mouse. Jake is homeschooled like Colt, and Colt knows Jake.”
    â€œOh. I see. Mouse, is it? What an unusual name.”
    â€œMom.” Kate dropped her voice to a whisper. “I need to warn you. Don’t ask Jake any questions. Just say hi and let him walk on by, okay? I’ll explain later.”
    â€œWhy ever not?” Her mother frowned, then turned her attention on Jake.
    The boy stopped at the pool, and Mouse took a tentative step toward Pete.
    The little boy squealed and opened his arms wide. “My friend!” He pushed to his knees and wrapped his arms around the dog’s neck, burying his face in his fur.
    Kate’s mouth dropped open, and her mother looked as dazed as Kate felt.
    Her mom tilted her head in wonder. “I’ll be. He doesn’t even treat Rufus like that.” She sat upright, and fear crossed her features. “Rufus. Where is he? There’s no one riding in the barn, so he’s loose!”
    Kate jumped as if she’d been kicked by a wild horse. “No way, Mom! He doesn’t like other dogs. He’ll get in a fight with Mouse. Colt, help Jake hold Mouse’s leash and get him away from Pete! Rufus is loose, and he’s apt to attack Mouse!”
    Her mother bolted from the lawn chair and scanned both directions. “Spread out, everybody. We’ve got to find Rufus. Don’t call him. We don’t want him to come to us with Pete here. He might get hurt if the dogs start fighting. Colt, would you stay with Pete and pick him up if you have to?”
    â€œSure, Mrs. Ferris. But Pete doesn’t like me to touch him, and so he’ll never let me hold him.”
    â€œI don’t care what he wants right now. If Rufus comes this way, you grab Pete and head to the house.”
    She waited a second to make sure Colt understood, then waved her arms. “Spread out, everybody. Find that dog!”

Chapter Fourteen
    Kate’s heart beat like a three-hundred-pound drummer throwing his weight into his sticks as she raced toward the barn, praying she’d find Rufus before her dog discovered Mouse in his territory. How stupid could she get? Rufus was her dog and her responsibility—well, technically, he belonged to the entire family, but she’d done the most work with him. He was normally a sweet dog, but he could get aggressive if he thought another canine was invading his space.
    â€œRufus, come on, boy.