Keiko’s Pony Rescue

Table of Contents

• High Hopes
• Cherry Blossom Farm
• Early Birds and a Night Owl
• Henhouse Helpers
• The Naturals
• Marigold in Trouble
• Barnyard Slumber Party
• Keiko’s Confession
• A Winning Plan
• New Arrivals

High Hopes

Keiko Hayashi is busy on her volunteering shift at Rosa’s Refuge Animal Shelter, along with her best friends, Jasmine Arroyo, Sofia Davis, and Madison Rosen. At the moment Keiko is brushing the fur of a fluffy, pint-size dog. Jasmine says that Keiko can name the dog, since Keiko was the first volunteer to see her when she arrived. They’re currently waiting for Jasmine’s mother, Dr. Arroyo, to give the dog her first checkup.

Keiko thinks about the name. The dog is a Pomeranian. Keiko says her mom had a Pomeranian when she was living in Okinawa, Japan. So, how about calling the dog Oki? Sofia squeals, exclaiming the name is perfect. It’s cute, just like the dog. And she’s so adorable that she’ll probably be adopted quickly.

Sofia sighs, and looks longingly at Oki. She’s wanted a dog for a long time, but hasn’t been able to convince her parents she’s responsible enough. The other girls all smile at their friend sympathetically.

Dr. Arroyo guides the girls through how she looks at Oki’s vital signs, such as the dog’s breathing, temperature and weight, and heart rate and rhythm. Dr. Arroyo explains that if the vital signs are healthy, it means the dog is healthy. She’ll write down everything in Oki’s chart. Oki has a temperature of 102° Fahrenheit.

Keiko is nervous that Oki has a fever with a temperature that high, but Dr. Arroyo explains that in dogs, it’s normal for a dog to have that high of a temperature. Keiko relaxes, tucking her hair behind her ear. Thank goodness that Oki’s not sick. She already has enough to worry about.

Madison asks Keiko what’s going on, and Keiko explains that she entered an art contest. She really wants to win, but she doesn’t know if she will, and that’s been making her anxious lately. The local art museum is sponsoring it, and if she wins, her drawings will be part of a special exhibit. Then she’ll be a real artist.

Sofia confidently states that of course Keiko will win. Besides, Keiko’s already a real artist. Madison agrees, after all, Keiko is the best artist in their grade.

Keiko shrugs; she’s not quite convinced. Either way, she’ll be leaving soon to visit her aunt’s farm for two weeks. That’ll take her mind off the contest. Sofia thinks that’s so cool. Keiko will be able to hang out with lots of different animals.

Keiko’s aunt is a photographer, and Keiko used to show off her aunt’s photos of the famous cherry blossom trees in Japan. They’d even been displayed in art galleries in Tokyo. But since her marriage to Uncle Henry, they’d bought a farm together. They have chickens, cows, pigs, and sheep. They sell eggs, vegetables, and homemade butter.

Madison props her elbow on the exam table and slumps. Keiko will have so much fun, Madison wishes they could all go. Keiko’s eyes brighten. She can ask her aunt and uncle if all the girls can come along. They love introducing new people to the farm. As long as they can all help out.

Jasmine is eager to help with the animals. She looks toward her mother. Dr. Arroyo says if it’s okay with Keiko’s aunt and uncle and her parents, it’s okay with her. Madison and Sofia say they’ll ask their parents at home.

Keiko claps her hands, excited that she may company on the trip. Visiting the farm with her friends will be even more fun.