Chapter 1 Tea with Grandma

 

  Liz Jenkins quickened her pace. At her side, her new furry friend trotted to keep up.

  “Come on, Match!” Liz said.

  Match was an eight-year-old Australian Shepherd. Despite being an older dog, he had plenty of fiery energy. That’s why Liz had decided to call him Match!

  A few days ago Liz had found Match all alone in the park. So she brought him to The Critter Club.

  The Critter Club was a rescue shelter she had started with her friends Amy, Ellie, and Marion to help lost and lonely animals. Now they were trying to find Match a forever home.

       Liz smiled as Match stopped to sniff a dandelion.

  “This has to be one of the best things about having a dog,” Liz said to Match. “Going for a long walk on the first warm spring day.”

  Liz couldn’t really take her pet ferret, Reggie, on a long walk. His short legs got tired so quickly.

  But Match could handle several blocks, no problem. So they were going to visit Liz’s grandma for Friday afternoon tea.

  “You’ll love the place where Grandma lives,” Liz told Match. “It’s just like any apartment building but for people who are Grandma’s age. There’s a garden, an activity room, and a pool!”

  Woof! Match barked.

  Liz laughed. “That almost sounded like a wow in dog-speak!”

    She led Match down a stone path, across a lawn, and up to a large building. A sign out front read Pine Oaks Senior Living Community.

    In the lobby, grandparents sat in cozy armchairs. They played cards and chatted.

  Liz and Match crossed the lobby and took the elevator to the third floor. Liz knocked on the door to room 321.

  The door swung open. Liz’s grandmother stood smiling out at them.

  “Grandma!” Liz exclaimed. She threw her arms around her grandmother as Match wagged his tail and said his hello.

    Woof!

  “Ah,” said Grandma. “Is this The Critter Club’s newest rescue?”

    “Yep!” Liz said, plopping down on the couch. Match curled up at her feet. “Ellie, Amy, Marion, and I are taking turns watching him. We’re taking him to an adoption event tomorrow.”

    “I’m so proud of you girls,” Grandma said. “Now, tell me. What kind of tea would you like?”

    “Mint, please!” Liz said.

  Having tea with her grandma always made Liz feel very grown-up. She prepared the teacups and helped Grandma pick mint leaves from her window mint plant. Then she watched Grandma pour out hot water from the kettle and steep the tea.

    Match moved to Grandma’s side. He sniffed at her pants leg.

  “I really hope we find him his forever home,” Liz said.

  Grandma leaned down and scratched Match’s chin. He closed his eyes and laid his head in her hand.

    “That’s his favorite place to be scratched,” said Liz. “How did you know?”

  “I just had a feeling.” Grandma chuckled. “He’s adorable. You’ll have no problem finding someone to adopt him.”

  Liz sipped her tea and watched Grandma with Match. They were so sweet together.

  Then Liz was suddenly struck with an idea.

  Could the “someone” to adopt Match be Grandma?