The Pup Who Cried Wolf Read Free

the phone.
    My problem is that I am trying to do my job and maintain security and keep her beloved parrot from becoming rat chow. Except it turns out to be a false alarm because someone is playing with me. I glare at Glory and give another yip.
    â€œLobo, behave yourself.” Mona stomps on the floor and uses that really scary voice that top predators hate.
    I yelp. I admit it isn’t the bravest of yelps in the world, but a lot of critters with less heart would tuck tail, scuttle underneath the sofa, and tremble. Not me. I have the heart of a wolf and I don’t ever forget it. I tuck tail and scuttle underneath the sofa where I can watch for danger. My body is only shaking because the air-conditioning is making me cold.
    Heckles pops his head out of his tunnel andsniggers. A snigger is not a sound wolf brothers like to hear. I consider baring my battle weapons, my deadly fangs. But then I remember the scary voice and decide against it.
    â€œWhat was that all about?” asks Glory.
    I poke my ears out. “You squawked. I was ready to rescue you from danger.”
    â€œI am not in any danger,” says Glory.
    â€œSo why the cry of fear and desperation?” I am determined to get to the bottom of this. “Perhaps I should tell you a story of a boy, or in this case a parrot, who cried wolf.”
    â€œMy calling to you does not mean bark your head off and make a fool of yourself,” says Glory, “and anyway, I am the one who told you that story when you were just a puppy.”
    â€œOh,” I say.
    â€œIt was a get-your-tail-in-here-and-pay-attention squawk. I was calling you because I heard something interesting while I was listening to Mona’s conversation.”
    â€œWhat did she say?”
    â€œShe said …” Glory paused and preened. “Perhaps I shouldn’t tell you. It could give youideas. You could get in trouble if you don’t think before you charge ahead.”
    Now I’m curious. I sit very quietly and politely to demonstrate just how thoughtful I really am.
    â€œThat was her sister on the phone. We’re going to Yellowstone Park for the family reunion this year!”
    Knock me over with a feather! I knew it! It’s my next sign!
    I leap up and run in a circle ten times. Glory knows Yellowstone Park means just one thing to me.
    Wolves!

4
Top Predator Training for Speed
    I wake up the next morning with a soaring heart. We are going camping. I have to get in shape to become a top predator.
    And run with the wolves.
    The lazybones of the world are still asleep. It’s the perfect time for my first serious training exercise. Yellowstone might be wolf heaven, but it’s no poodle party. There will be mountains to climb, rivers to cross, wide-open land to explore, and miles to run.
    Chances like this don’t come around more than once.
    Ever since I heard the news, I’ve been planning out a special track to help me get ready. It’s time to test it.
    Mark. Set. Go! I race through the kitchen, streak under the dining room table, and leap up onto the coffee table.
    Unfortunately, there is a pile of newspapers, a half can of soda, and a bowl of popcorn on the table. Using my wild instincts, I land on my feet as the newspapers slide off the table. Bang! The bowl of popcorn hits the floor.
    White, buttery shapes fly around my head. I duck. I sidestep the rolling can with soda pouring out, and bound forward before the last kernel of popcorn stops bouncing.
    Hah! Back around the track. Let me tell you, it’s not easy taking corners on a hardwood floor. Dog feet aren’t made to stick on smooth wood, so mostly they slide. I take at least five extra running steps on every turn.
    Dog claws don’t help much either. Mostly dog claws make running a lot louder.
    Suddenly a fluffy yellow and pink bedroom slipper in the shape of a fish comes flying out of nowhere. It just misses my ear.

    Red alert! Prowlers have gained entry and are