Riley by Susan Hughes Page A

once a week. I also clipped his nails.”
    â€œThank you,” said Churchill’s owner gruffly, his cheeks wobbling as he paid.
    â€œKitty-Kat, Maya!” said Aunt Jenn after he’d left. “Are you ready to meet our newest guest?”
    The girls looked at each other. It was time! They couldn’t wait to meet the new puppy!

The girls followed Aunt Jenn into the doggy day care room. Four large dog kennels lined one wall of the room. And there in the last one stood a beautiful golden retriever puppy. As soon as she saw the girls, she wagged her tail and perked up her ears.
    â€œSay hello to Riley,” said Aunt Jenn. “She’s a three-month-old golden retriever.”
    The girls dropped to their knees beside the kennel. The puppy pushed her nose against the bars. Kat poked her fingers through, and the puppy licked them eagerly.
    â€œOh, she’s so sweet,” said Kat.
    â€œShe’s amazing,” breathed Maya.
    â€œRiley’s family, the Baxters, brought her home about four weeks ago,” said Aunt Jenn. “But the mom and dad didn’t know their daughter has a severe allergy to dogs. Ever since Riley came to their home, the little girl has been sneezing and wheezing. She even has hives on her face and chest.”
    â€œOh no,” said Kat. “That sounds horrible.” It made her itchy just thinking about it.
    â€œShe’s allergic to the dog’s dander, which is little flakes of its skin,” Aunt Jenn explained. Then she winked. “My doggy data for today.”
    Kat smiled. She hoped that one day she would know as much about dogs as her aunt did.
    â€œSo what are they going to do? What’s going to happen to Riley?” asked Kat. She gazed at the plump little pup.
    â€œWell,” said Aunt Jenn, “the Baxters know they can’t keep her. So they are trying to find her a new home. They think they may have found one, but the new family needs a few more days to decide. Getting a new puppy is a big responsibility.”
    The girls looked at each other. They knew it, all right. That’s why their own parents wouldn’t let them get dogs. They said they didn’t have enough time to look after puppies.
    â€œThe Baxters called me early this morning. They asked if Riley could stay here for a few days until they work everything out. I told them I was busy, but I would check with my helpers.” Aunt Jenn smiled at Kat and Maya. “They were thrilled when I called them back and said Riley could come.”
    â€œYou’re the best, Aunt Jenn,” said Kat. She knew her aunt had a soft spot for every dog she met. She could never say no to a puppy in need.
    â€œNow, girls, Riley needs lots of exercise. The holes in the backyard fence have been fixed—only a dog Houdini would be able to get out of there! So you can give Riley a good run-around outside. Oh, and the Baxters were beginning to teach Riley some simple commands. Please practice those with her. There is ‘sit,’ and this is the hand command.” Aunt Jenn dropped her arm and opened her hand, palm out. Then she slowly lifted her hand.
    Kat tried it. So did Maya.

    â€œAnd there’s ‘lie down,’” Aunt Jenn said, pointing sharply to the ground. “The Baxters were also teaching Riley to come. They call ‘come’ to her when she’s on the leash. That way, they can pull her toward them if she forgets what to do. She gets a treat when she does what they ask.”
    Aunt Jenn handed them Riley’s leash. “So, girls, are you okay with your newest little charge? Do you remember how to take a puppy in and out of a kennel safely?”
    â€œYou bet, Aunt Jenn,” said Kat happily. “And don’t worry. We’ll take good care of her.”
    â€œOkay. Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s back to work I go!” Aunt Jenn sang. She smoothed down her apron, and off she went.
    As her aunt left, Kat carefully