Shoe Dog Young Readers Edition Novels & Stories

Both options felt equally disturbing. I closed the book and slid it back into place. My breathing still refused to cooperate. My feet carried me to another shelf. I needed something that had nothing to do with me or corporate sins. Turned out the next shelf was full of children's books. Picture books about dinosaurs, trucks, cats. A whole series about a little hero with a lion mask. One of Ash's stickers clung crooked on one of the spines. I pulled one out. The first page already looked a little worn. In the corner of the page, there was a small scribble in blue marker. Definitely not Zane's handwriting. Big, wobbly letters.

Henry complained. "Yeah, you all got distracted and now our shoes have become a dog bathroom. Look, look at this, they did number two inside the shoes," I complained. Enzo picked up the shoes, examined them, and laughed. "Popcorn, how did you manage to aim number two right inside the shoes?" Enzo laughed and looked at the little dog with admiration. "Leave it to me, auntie. I know a place that cleans, disinfects, and makes everything smell fresh."

"What an incurably mad dog you are." Instead of feeling insulted, a strange wave of relief washed over me. I welcomed the title. It was the only label that bound my existence to his. "Then... can the mad dog stay?" Without waiting for his verbal consent, I shifted my weight off the wall and smoothly dropped into a perfect, low kneel directly before his leather boots. I bowed my head, exposing the back of my neck in total, unconditional submission.

I watched the videos over and over, fury twisting in my chest. Each time, it felt like a boulder crushing me, leaving me gasping for air. The doctors and nurses who had cared for Yule were just as angry as I was. The first to speak out was the doctor who'd played Santa Claus for Yule. His face was red, his voice shaking as he stared into the camera. "Yule was allergic to dog fur! He was just trying to get away! How could such a sick, frail child even kick a dog?"

A Dog’s Tale I remember being born, that may seem a strange concept to humans but it isn’t really for Dogs. I remember being snuggled and warm then suddenly being pushed out into a very bright light. It wasn’t pleasant, and I was afraid but then a warm wet tongue began to clean me and a soft voice spoke welcoming me to this strange bright world and pushing me to a teat full of her delicious milk. Everything was blurry and muffled but I felt safe listening to the steady beat of my Mother’s heart through her soft flank. Those first few days were strange, I did very little except eat and sleep but I was aware of ‘something.’ I did not know what it was but I knew it was waiting for me.

A long scraping sound dragged across the wood. Like claws. Everyone froze. Then came the voice. Soft. Cold. Dangerous. "You cannot stop it." Cookie growled. Louder than before. The tiny puppy stood directly in front of the door. Fur raised. Teeth exposed. Then all five puppies joined him. A tiny army. Against whatever waited outside. Then suddenly— the journal flipped pages again. Violently. The paper fluttered. The cover slammed open. Then stopped. Another message appeared. Fresh ink. New words.

The book is a mild chapter book and the label reads "Hank the Cowdog" "We won't be able to read all of this tonight is that ok?" I ask as I begin to open the book. "Can we read some every night until it's finished?" She asks. "Sure I think we can do that." I reply and then clear my throat and begin reading.

"Sorry guys, I'll be right back." "Wait, Effie!" I ignored the calling of Lily and paced my feet to walk faster, swerving around people in my way. As I made it to the Nike store, scanning the whole place as my nose took a whiff of that new fresh shoes, I scavenged around looking for him and finally found him. I snarled like an angry lioness. Logan was behind a clothes rack, peering over, and once I followed where his eyes were on Nina, looking at some Airmax shoes.

Did he say mates? Did you say mates? I did. Listen. Don't freak, but I'm going to move up beside you. And I won't look like me. A ribbon of thrill snaked through her. Everything she'd read so far in the book came rushing back to her on a tidal wave of excitement. She sat perfectly still, watching from the corner of her eye as a large animal moved softly into her peripheral range. She turned her head slightly and her eyes widened. A huge black-pelted animal moved casually until it was on the porch right next to her. About the size of a Great Pyrenees dog, it could have been one of the drawings in the book come to life.

Her hand shook as she reached out and gently touched its neck. The dog did not snap or growl, and Jovie's fear ebbed away. She stroked its head, whispering words of comfort. "Big doggy, did the bad people take you too? Don't worry, my daddy will come for us soon. He's like a superhero, super strong. He'll beat up the bad guys and get us out of here..."