The doorbell rang, and Harry shuddered as the children thundered down the hallway to the door.
“I just don’t know where he could’ve got to,” Mrs Ashcroft was saying worriedly. “We came back from our walk about twenty minutes ago. He must have slipped away somewhere.”
“Is he settling in well?” It was a familiar voice. Harry was sure he knew it. It wasn’t Grace, but it made him think of her. He poked his nose out from under the sofa so as to hear better.
“There he is!” Lily shrieked, and Harry promptly shot back underneath.
Lily crouched down to peer under the sofa, and Harry backed away from her. She swept her hand underneath, and called to him to come out. Harry barked anxiously. Why wouldn’t they just leave him alone?
“Lily, stop that!” Mrs Ashcroft said worriedly. “Now, Lily!”
Harry was still barking, a sharp, unhappy bark that sounded like a warning. Leave me alone! Go away!
Lily scrambled up, her bottom lip wobbling. “I don’t like it when he barks like that,” she said tearfully.
Mrs Ashcroft sighed, and looked at Sally. “I was hoping to be able to tell you he was starting to settle in,” she said. “But I just don’t think he is. The children have tried really hard, but I think we’re a bit too much for him to take. He’s a lovely little dog, but he just doesn’t seem very happy.”
Sally nodded sadly. “I think you’re right. I’ve got a dog-carrier in my car. I’m so sorry it hasn’t worked out. Hopefully we can find you another dog, one that’s used to a busy house.” Mrs Ashcroft and the children left Sally to coax Harry out, which she managed by being very quiet, and opening a packet of dog treats. Then it was back to the animal shelter – again.
“He really is the boomerang dog, isn’t he?” Sally sighed, as she and Mandy watched Harry eating his breakfast on Sunday morning.
“It’s such a pity Grace couldn’t take him home,” Mandy said. “She built up such a fantastic relationship with him.”
Sally nodded, then she smiled slowly. “Of course! You’ve given me a brilliant idea! I wonder if Grace and Danny are coming in today? I might give their mum and dad a call.”
She came back out of reception smiling. “They’ll be here shortly. I can’t wait to see Grace’s reaction.”
Mandy was frowning. “But I thought you’d decided that Harry loving Grace so much was stopping him settling with a new owner? Are you sure you want him to see her again?”
Sally nodded. “But I didn’t tell you – the family’s moved. They wanted to adopt Harry, but he’d already gone to the Ashcrofts. They were going to think about another dog when they felt ready. And I’ve told them that the perfect dog has just arrived…”
Grace pushed open the door to the dogs’ area, leading the way for Mum and Dad and Danny. Her hands felt sweaty, and slipped on the door handle. She was so nervous. Sally had said that a wonderful new dog had arrived, one who would be perfect for Grace and her family.
Why wasn’t she happy?
All she could think of was Harry. She tried desperately to picture him with those other children, having a brilliant time. This other dog really needed a home, too.
“You all right?” Danny asked her, looking at her thoughtfully.
“I suppose,” Grace whispered. “It just feels odd.” “I know.” He sighed. “But this dog will be fab, too.”
Grace grabbed his arm. “Look!”
Sally was walking down the passage, carrying a puppy in her arms. A Jack Russell puppy, white with brown patches, whose ears pricked up as he heard Grace’s voice. He gave one joyful bark, and twisted right out of Sally’s hold, leaping to the ground, his paws scrabbling frantically as he raced towards them.
“Harry! It’s Harry!” Grace scooped him up, and he licked her face delightedly, all over, then generously leaned out of her arms to lick Danny, too. He’d missed Grace so much, and she’d come, she’d come back for him!
Sally grinned. “Told you I had the perfect dog…”
“I can’t believe it,” Grace whispered, hugging Harry tightly. “Thank you so much!” she told Sally.
Sally smiled at her. “I’m just glad he’s found the right home at last. I don’t think he’ll be coming back to us again. But you have to do me one favour. Will you write to Beth, his old owner, for me? Tell her all about Harry’s new home?”
“Of course!” Grace nodded eagerly. Harry looked round to see Sally fetching his basket and toys out of the run, and handing them to Danny. She gave Grace his lead. Harry’s stubby little tail wagged delightedly as Grace clipped it on. He’d never seen Grace look this happy before. He gave her a hopeful look. If his basket and his toys were coming…
Grace was staring at him with shining eyes. “Oh, Harry! You’re really coming home with us. We don’t have to say goodbye this time.”
“Harry, don’t chew that pencil,” Grace giggled. “Dogs aren’t meant to eat pencils. It’s not good for you.” She reached over to her bedside table. “Look, have a biscuit bone instead. But don’t leave any crumbs on the duvet, OK? Mum’s not sure about you being on my bed; we don’t want to give her anything to complain about!”
Harry gnawed happily on the dog biscuit, letting Grace chat away. He loved it when she talked to him. Perhaps after she’d finished this thing she was doing they could go to the park, with Danny too. He gulped the last of the bone, and stretched out his paws. She was still writing. He’d have a little sleep.
Grace looked down at him lovingly, curled up next to her teddy. She couldn’t believe Harry had found a home at last – with her.
Dear Beth,
Sally gave me your address so I could write and tell you all about Harry. He has been living with us for two weeks now, and he is lovely. (I know you know this already!) I really hope you’re enjoying living in New York, and you don’t miss him too much.
Did Harry like smoky bacon crisps when he lived with you? He stole a whole packet out of my brother’s bag yesterday. Luckily Danny loves him so much he went and got him another packet from the newsagent’s. Mum was really cross, but it’s OK, Harry wasn’t sick.
Harry loves playing in our garden and going for walks, and he’s very clever at doing tricks now. He can shake hands, and roll over, and he’ll almost stay, but not if you put a dog biscuit in front of him, we’re still working on that one!
Lots of love,
Grace and Harry
About the Author
Holly Webb started out as a children’s book editor, and wrote her first series for the publisher she worked for. She has been writing ever since, with over sixty books to her name. Holly lives in Berkshire, with her husband and three young sons. She has a pet cat called Marble, who is always nosying around when she’s trying to type on her laptop.
Other titles by Holly Webb:
Lost in the Snow
Lost in the Storm
Alfie all Alone
Sam the Stolen Puppy
Max the Missing Puppy
Sky the Unwanted Kitten
Timmy in Trouble