Don't Swap Your Sweater for a Dog Read Online Free

the amazing reading dog, will now read from this book,” I said.
    The crowd made a “wow” noise.
    The judges leaned forward.
    I brought the book over so they could see the first page of Frog on a Log.
    Then I took it back to Edward. I put the book in front of him.
    â€œOpen the book, Edward,” I said.
    Edward opened the book with his nose.
    Just like I knew he would.
    â€œNow read to us!” I said.
    The first words in the story were “Frog on a log.”
    I tapped my foot four times. Just a little, so that only Edward could see.
    He barked four times.
    Just like I knew he would.
    â€œHe’s right!” one of the judges exclaimed.
    The crowd cheered.
    And I knew right then that trophy was mine.
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    While we waited for the judges to make their decision, I went over to the stands to say hello to my family and Gus and Emma.
    â€œYou rocked!” Gus exclaimed. “You for-sure are going to win!”
    â€œNot bad,” Dad said, “for a dog whowears perfume.”
    People crowded around me. Everyone wanted to pat Edward.
    â€œHow did you teach him to do that?” a man asked.
    â€œHow long have you owned him?” a lady asked.
    â€œWhy is he wearing a T-shirt?” a boy asked.
    I tried to answer all the questions. But it felt a little funny.
    On account of I had to pretend I knew the answers. Like I really was Edward’s owner.
    â€œDo you have any other pets?” a little girl asked.
    At least I knew the answer to that one.
    â€œI have a dog named Goofy,” I said. “He’s over there.”

    I pointed. Goofy was sitting by Max’s feet. He looked sort of left out.
    Maybe even forlorn.
    â€œCan Goofy do cool tricks, too?” the little girl asked.
    â€œWell, not exactly,” I said. “He’s stilllearning. But he’s a really great guy.”
    â€œLadies and gentlemen!” the loudspeaker man said. “It is time for the awarding of prizes. If your name is called, please come to the judges’ table to accept your award.”
    One of the judges stood up. She held a microphone in one hand and ribbons in the other.
    â€œI just want to say that it was very difficult to determine a winner in this year’s contest. What we especially love seeing is the wonderful bonds between dogs and their owners. A dog learns best when he is loved and praised. And it’s clear that all these dogs are very much loved.”
    I looked down at Edward.
    He was standing perfectly still.
    I looked over at Goofy.
    He was trying to catch a fly in his mouth.
    â€œThird prize goes to Linus and Larry Dunn!” the judge announced.
    Everyone clapped. Larry ran over with Linus to accept a yellow ribbon.
    â€œSecond prize goes to Astro and Penelope Watson,” the judge said. “But don’t you dare use that trick to get out of doing your homework!”
    Finally, my moment arrived.
    â€œAnd our first-prize trophy goes to the amazing team of Roscoe Riley and his dog, Edward!”
    It was just like I’d imagined it.
    Applause.
    Cheering.
    Even some barking.
    We dashed over to the judges.
    The trophy wasn’t as heavy as I thought.
    In fact, I think maybe it was plastic.
    But it was a silver trophy, and it was mine.

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MY Dog
    I held the trophy high in the air. Edward and I ran across the field to my family.
    There was lots of back patting.
    And high-fiving.
    And way-to-going.
    I felt pretty amazing. I was definitely going to be the star of show-and-tell.
    Something cold touched my hand.
    I looked down, and there was Goofy.
    He was nudging me with his nose.
    He wagged his tail like he was happy for me.
    He even touched noses with Edward.
    Good old Goofy.
    I gave him a hug.
    â€œWill the contestants please return to the judges’ table for photographs?” said the loudspeaker guy.
    â€œCome on, Edward,” I said. “They want to take our picture.”
    Edward and I walked back to the judges.
    â€œSit,