Our Very Own Dog

A dog came to live with us when I was four.

- Amanda McCardie

For a minute or two she sat next to me. Then she climbed right over my back and nuzzled my hand with her cold, wet nose.

Sophie had been living at an animal shelter. Now she had her own home—with us. We had prepared everything for our new dog: a cozy bed and blankets, bowls for food and water, a toy to sleep with and one to chew, a ball, a leash, and a collar.

We fit her collar and felt it with our fingers to make sure it wasn’t too tight. It had a metal tag on it that jingled as she walked.