Helping Hands by Laurie Halse Anderson Page A

the animals and I would send him the bill for their care and boarding. Instead, he offered to give the animals away.”
    â€œBut where do we put them?” I ask. “They can’t stay here. We can take care of a couple of bunnies, but we definitely can’t handle two ponies. Plus, Buster needs to go someplace where his abscess can be watched.”
    David points at me. “You are a worrywart with horse sense, Josh. Mr. Quinn is gonna love you.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” I ask.
    â€œI called him when I went inside. Your mom told me that your dad had already called the police, so I told Mr. Quinn that there was a good chance the ponies were about to be homeless.”
    â€œWhat did he say?”
    â€œThere’s an old shed behind the stables that he’s been using for equipment. It’s kind of beat-up and dirty, but he said if we clean it out, the ponies could stay there until a better home is found for them. He even offered to call a friend who runs a therapy-riding program—Helping Hands School for Special Riders. He thinks Buster and Babe would be perfect for it.”
    I blink, trying to sort it all out. “Mr. Quinn’s going to save them?”
    â€œNo, dork.” David punches my shoulder. “You’re the one who saved them.”
    Sunita nods her head. “He’s right, Josh. You noticed when Buster was sick. You did all the research; you pulled everything together.”
    I start blushing so hard my cheeks feel like they’re on fire.
    â€œAnd you showed me a real willingness to help and to learn,” Dr. Gabe says.
    â€œWell, thanks,” I say, “but . . .” There’s one last thing I’m worried about. I swallow. “Dad? I kind of told Gus that we would pay for Buster’s treatment today. I know I shouldn’t have, but it was the only way to get him to agree to Dr. Gabe’s help.” I jam my hands into my pockets and keep my eyes on the ground. I can’t help feeling like I screwed up again.
    But Dad’s voice doesn’t sound angry.
    â€œHmmm, is that so?” he asks. I look up. He’s exchanging a glance with Dr. Gabe, and there’s a twinkle in his eye.
    Dr. Gabe clears his throat. “You know, John, I could use Josh’s help. He’s done a great job assisting me with Buster, and it’s the busy season at the farms in the area. Lots of newborn animals that need tending. A few hours on the weekends for the next few weeks, and we can call it even. What do you say?”
    Dad smiles and nods. “I’d say that sounds just fine. Seems like my son was a real help today.”
    Now I’m blushing even harder.
    I punch David’s shoulder. “This dork here helped, too. In fact, we did this together, all of us.”
    â€œThat’s enough of that,” David says, rubbing his shoulder. “Next thing you know, the girls are going to want a group hug.”
    â€œNot a hug,” Brenna says, “but we do need a picture. Can you take one, Daddy, please?”
    â€œSure thing.”
    Brenna pulls out her camera and hands it to her dad as we line up: Jules, Sunita, Buster, me, Babe, David, and Brenna. We put our arms around each other and look at the camera.
    â€œOkay, everybody,” says Mr. Lake. “Say ‘Vet Volunteers!’”

Pony Care and Fun Horse Facts
    By J. J. MACKENZIE, D.V.M.
    Humans and horses have had a long relationship throughout history, and horses rely on humans to provide proper care. Whether you are a horse owner or merely enjoy a pony ride from time to time, here are some easy ways to help horses, as well as some surprising things you might not know about our equine friends.
    Basic Care
    Horses must have fresh, clean water at all times, as well as adequate food and shelter. A quick glance over a horse for any cuts or bruises is a good way to notice small injuries before they get worse. It is very important