Jasmine’s Big Idea

Friends to the Rescue

After stowing Cookie safely in his crate, the three girls head inside to the kitchen. Jasmine describes all about how overcrowded Rosa’s Refuge is, and how Mrs. Wallace plans to expand. And, she tells her friends about what happens when they need to turn away animals.

Sofia and Keiko glance at each other. They had no idea. Immediately, they jump to wanting to help. Jasmine explains the carnival Mrs. Wallace wants to throw. Sofia says it’d be cool to help. Maybe helping with the shelter will finally prove to her parents that she’s ready for her own puppy. Jasmine knows Sofia has been begging her parents for months about adopting a pet, but they aren’t sure if she’s ready for that responsibility.

Keiko reminds Sofia that she once almost killed a class plant. Sofia protests that was different. After all, plants don’t bark to tell her when they’re hungry or thirsty. Keiko, shaking her head, says it’s still Sofia’s fault. Jasmine mentions that puppies are a lot of work. Sofia would have to train it and stuff. And how would she fit in soccer practice? Sofia exclaims that it’s no sweat! If she can keep a soccer dog away from a puppy, then the other girls on the team don’t stand a chance.

Chuckling, Jasmine asks Keiko if she can help. Keiko seems nervous. Would she need to be around dogs? Jasmine shakes her head. Maybe Keiko can help come up with creative ideas for what to do with the kids. Keiko’s face lights up into a smile. That’d be perfect. Then, Sofia suggests that maybe they can do a spin art table. Jasmine says that’s perfect! And they can do little descriptions of each animal that’s up for adoption. They can hang the posters all around the carnival, and write WANTED: A New Home on them.

Jasmine and Sofia continue to brainstorm ideas, but Keiko stays silent. Finally, she leans forward and suggests that maybe she can draw pictures of each of the shelter dogs for the carnival signs. Jasmine agrees that’d be awesome.

Jasmine touches the necklace she wears around her neck and smiles at her two best friends. Her necklace is a simple chain with a charm at the end shaped like a dog biscuit, engraved with her name. Keiko and Sofia have charm necklaces with their names, too. Sofia’s is a soccer ball, and Keiko’s is an artist’s palette with colored gemstones. As long as they each have their special necklaces, Jasmine knows they’ll always be friends.