Heart of Gold

Missy lifted her nose into the air. Her golden muzzle quivered as she tried to make out the unfamiliar scents wafting through the air.1

Missy was almost a year old. She had been bought as a puppy from a man with a big belly who tended to smoke and kick his dogs.2

Missy had loved her new family, the Browels. They fed her and stroked her and praised her. Missy loved the children, too. She didn't even mind if they pulled her long, floppy ears, or her feathered tail.3

But, everyone knows that Golden retrievers can grow to be big dogs, and The Browel's didn't want a big dog. So, they cast poor Missy away, onto the streets, where she had barely survived, often feasting on rats alone.4

Missy had lodged a temporary home in the sewers. Her friend, Rosa, a small mouse, often helped her find food.5

One day, Missy was walking along the sewer pipes when she heard screaming from above. She popped up a manhole to see what all the commotion was about.6

Nearby was a river, and in the river, thrashing wildly and screaming, was Marisa Browel, the one who had made the decision to cast Missy into the streets.7

Missy gave a bark and leaped into the river. She caught the woman's collar, and, pushing her powerful legs, dragged the now-unconcious woman ashore.8

Suddenly, she was being choked. Missy could hardly breath.9

"Give the dog and the woman room." An authorative voice commanded. 10

The crowd backed off. Marisa choked. She opened her eyes and saw Missy.11

"Oh, Missy!" She cried, and flung her arms around her neck. "Thank you for saving my life! Oh! Come back with us, Missy!" Missy barked, and licked the woman's pale face with her warm tongue. Some color returned to Marisa's cheeks, and she laughed, stroking Missy's wet fur.12

Marisa brought Missy back home. Jane and Jack were delighted to see her again. For months, they had been whining 'puppy'.13

Eric, Marisa's husband, had never wanted to throw Missy away. He was delighted to see her again.14

Martha, the eldest, loved Missy and was thrilled. The thirteen-year-old had been missing Missy. 15

So they lived together for the rest of their years, and Missy taught Marisa how to swim.