Myra's Dog

My name is Myra. I want a dog. Mommy and Daddy say no. I have allergies. Allergies mean I sneeze and cough. I don't want allergies, I want a dog!

My mommy wants to take a walk. She says we will look at other children's dogs. Our next door neighbor has a big yellow dog. His name is Indy. Mommy says he is a golden retriever. He stays outside all the time because he is so big. Big dogs need big spaces and houses. He also has lots of fur. Mommy pets him and shows me the hair on her hand. The fur is bad for allergies. Good-bye, Indy. I still want a dog.

We walk around the corner. Look! There is my friend, Zach. He is walking his chihuahua, Jilly. He lives in an apartment with his Granny, so a small dog is perfect for their family. Small dogs are best for small spaces. Jilly has a smooth coat. Mommy lets me pet Jilly -- no hair! Good-bye, Jilly.

As we walk, Mommy tells me that there are many breeds of small dogs. Some have long hair, some have short. A dog with short or smooth hair will be best for our family. We have a large fenced-in yard. We could have a big dog like Indy. But Indy has too much fur! We want a dog that can live outdoors but visit us inside. What will we do?

Mr. Woodall is walking down the road. Ranger is guiding Mr. Woodall. Mommy says Ranger is a working dog, a boxer. Mr. Woodall is blind. Ranger helps Mr. Woodall walk and go places. I like Ranger, but I must never pet him or play with him while he is working. He is a medium size dog. Mommy asks Mr. Woodall about Ranger. Hooray! Mr. Woodall says he has a boxer because of his allergies! Is this MY dog? I want a dog!

We have seen three dogs on our walk. A big dog, a medium dog, and a small dog. What kind of dog is best for our family? Mommy and I walk toward our house. Our house is just right. Not too big, not small like an apartment, but just right. We have a big yard. We love to play outside. We like to snuggle by our fireplace when it is cold. We need a dog who will not shed. I want a dog!

A man is walking down the road. He has a basket in his hand. Who is he? It is my Daddy! What is in the basket? Hurry, Mommy! Let's run to Daddy! What do you have in the basket? I hear a soft little yip. Daddy! Is that a dog? He gently places the basket on the ground. Lying in the basket is my dog! The perfect dog for my family! Not too big, not too little, he's just right. I hug my new boxer puppy. I love my dog!