Sofia’s Puppy Love

Furry Inspiration

The four girls settle into the cafeteria for their lunch. Jasmine is crunching on some carrots while flipping through their science book.

Maybe a volcano? No, Sofia tried that over the summer, and she made a mess. Keiko suggests a model of the solar system. But Michael, another kid in their class, is already doing one. Jasmine keeps flipping through. So many of the ideas involve time, like feeding plants different liquids to see which diets make them grow fastest.

Madison points at a chart on the page. It looks like the chart Sofia made for Piper. Sofia gasps. Of course! Piper can be the subject of her science fair project!

The next Saturday, Sofia is extra excited to go to the shelter. Not only will she get to see Piper, but she has a great plan for her project. She plans to show everybody how to care for runts so they get stronger and healthier, just like Piper. Mrs. Wallace also thinks it’s a fantastic idea.

When Sofia gets to the puppy pen, she sees it’s full with visitors. Madison whispers the puppy webcam has built up so much buzz that everybody wants to come meet them in person. Sofia watches the puppies tumble and play in their pen. It’s almost as if they want to put on a show. Peanut and Princess trot around carrying two ends of the same toy. Peaches snuggles next to Penny, and Poppy is sniffing all the new visitors. Pickle is busy eating dry dog food. Sofia sees a ribbon around Penny and Pickle’s necks that say I’ve been adopted!. Peanut and Princess both have the ribbon, too. But that means there’s only three puppies left. What if someone has adopted Piper?

Where was Piper anyway? Sofia looks around in panic. She can’t see him. Then, she notices him, snuggled under a blanket, hiding from the crowd. But when he sees Sofia, he wriggles out and bounds over. Dr. Arroyo comes up next to Sofia, and tells her that he’s almost the same weight now as his brothers and sisters, all because of Sofia’s help.

Sofia overhears a dad nearby, talking to his son, telling him he can pick out whichever puppy he wants. Sofia anxiously watches as the boy looks from puppy to puppy. Please don’t pick Piper, Sofia pleads to herself. Finally, the boy points at Poppy. Mrs. Wallace places a ribbon around Poppy’s neck. Sofia breathes a sigh of relief. It’s only a matter of time until someone picks Piper.