Sweetie Read Free

the table when Mom cleared her throat and shook her head.
    “No more dogs on the kitchen table,” she said. But she smiled. “Sweetie is a very talented puppy.”
    “I know,” said Rick. “Karen would have loved her.” Suddenly, his mustache went all droopy again, and the spark left his eyes. “I love dogs. I wish I could keep Sweetie, but even if she were allowed in my apartment, I think having her around would just be a reminder of how much I miss Karen.”
    Dad put his hand on Rick’s shoulder. “We’ll take good care of her. And we’ll find her a good home, too. You can count on that.”
    Rick sniffed and nodded. “Thanks. You don’t know how much I appreciate it. One thing: When you’re looking for a new owner, make sure that person understands that poodles have to be groomed. The lady I got her from was very clear about that. It’s a real commitment to have a poodle and pay for a shampoo and some clipping every six to ten weeks.”
    “I know about that,” said Lizzie. “They have to be groomed because poodles have hair, not fur like other dogs. That’s why some people who areallergic to dogs can be around poodles without sneezing. Instead of shedding, poodle hair just grows and grows and grows.”
    Rick nodded. “That’s right.” He gave Lizzie a weak smile. “I promise I’ll never try to give a puppy as a present again. I’ve learned my lesson.”
    The big man scooped up the tiny puppy and nuzzled her ears. “Good-bye, Sweetie. You be a good girl.” Sweetie looked tinier than ever nestled in his big hands. She licked his cheek, and Rick kissed her on the nose. Then he handed Sweetie over to Charles and walked quickly out of the room, without looking back.
    Charles kissed Sweetie between the ears. “We’ll take care of you,” he said. He turned to Lizzie. “Where’s Buddy? Let’s see if they get along.”
    “I put him in my bedroom until Sweetie got comfortable with all of us,” said Lizzie. She wentto get Buddy while Charles and the Bean took Sweetie into the living room to play. Charles put the puppy down on the rug and watched as she ran around sniffing everything. She tried to pick up one of Buddy’s stuffed toys, but it was almost bigger than she was. She tugged and growled, trying to pull Mr. Duck out of the toy basket.
    Just then Lizzie came back downstairs, with Buddy trotting after her.
    “Uh-oh,” said Charles. Mr. Duck was one of Buddy’s favorite toys. Maybe he wouldn’t be happy to find another puppy playing with it.
    But Buddy ran right over to Sweetie, wagging his tail. He pulled Mr. Duck out of the basket and laid him down in front of Sweetie.
    Here you go.
    Buddy bowed down, his front paws stretched way out.
    Want to play?
    Sweetie bowed back — and they were off, racing around the room. After a few laps, Buddy rolled over and let Sweetie climb on him. He must have looked like a mountain to the tiny golden brown pup.
    “Wow,” said Charles. “Everybody loves Sweetie.”
    “Evvybody love Sweetie,” echoed the Bean. He laughed his googly laugh. “The Bean love Sweetie, Charles love Sweetie, Lizzie love Sweetie, Buddy love Sweetie! Dada and Mama love Sweetie!”
    Sweetie looked up, one minuscule foot planted on Buddy’s chest, and cocked her head.
    Of course! And I love you all, too.
    Charles laughed. Sweetie was so cute. “Up, Sweetie!” He patted his knee. Sweetie scamperedover and jumped, sailing through the air like a little ball of fluff. She landed perfectly on Charles’s lap. “Good girl.” He gave her a big kiss on the top of her head.
    That was when Buddy started to bark.

CHAPTER FOUR
    “What’s the matter, Buddy?” Charles asked.
    Buddy planted both front feet on the carpet and faced Charles, barking like a maniac.
    Why does she get to be on your lap? What about me? What about me? What about me?
    “I think somebody’s jealous.” Lizzie raised her eyebrows and pointed at Buddy. “That’s never happened before.” She went over to pat