Muddy Paws Read Online Free

wait, Dad. Let’s leave her for just a little longer,” Martin pleaded, sounding as if he was very close to tears.
    â€œI’m sorry, Martin. I know you love Ella, but I’m not prepared to let any animal suffer, however hard it is for you to accept. We have to think what’s best for Ella. Why don’t we talk about it again tomorrow. All right?” Oliver Badby said gently.
    â€œOkay. But I’m not changing my mind about calling the vet and you can’t make me!” Martin said in a choked voice.
    Beth didn’t wait to hear the rest of the conversation. She already felt a little guilty for listening. “Come on, Storm,” she whispered, tiptoeing away.
    Storm trotted at her heel as she went into the kitchen. Beth felt her anger drain away again, just like when they were in the field earlier. However annoying her cousin was, she wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
    â€œMartin was actually telling the truth this time. He really did want to talk to his dad about something important. Ella must be very sick if Uncle Ollie thinks the vet should put her to sleep. Poor old girl,” she said to Storm.

    Storm nodded, his midnight-blue eyes sad.
    Ella was curled up in her basket in the warm alcove. As Beth bent down to pet her, the old dog’s tail thumped against the floor.
    Beth felt tears stinging her eyes. “It’s a shame that Ella’s in such pain. If she wasn’t, she’d be able to enjoy a few more months with Martin.”
    Storm pricked his ears. “I might be able to help!”
    Beth blinked at him. “Really? Can you use your magic to make her young again?” she asked hopefully.
    â€œI am sorry, Beth. No magic can do that,” Storm woofed gently. He padded over and stood in front of Ella.
    Once again, Beth felt the warm tingling sensation down her spine.
    Big gold sparks ignited in Storm’s fluffy black-and-white fur and the tips of his ears sparked with magical power. She watched as he huffed out a warm glittery breath.
    A shimmering golden mist surrounded the old collie. For a few seconds, pinpricks of gold danced all around her like miniature fireflies and then they sank into Ella’s dull fur and disappeared.
    Beth waited expectantly, but nothing happened. Ella looked just the same, with her gray muzzle and faded eyes.

    Storm’s magic didn’t seem to have worked.
    â€œNever mind. You tried. I guess magic can’t be expected to do everything,” Beth said to Storm, trying hard to hide her disappointment as the last golden spark faded from Ella’s fur. “Let’s go into the living room and find Martin. He’s probably feeling really upset. Maybe we can cheer him up.”
    Storm had a gleam in his eye, but he just nodded. “You have a very kind heart, Beth.”
    â€œAnyone would do the same,” Beth said, blushing. She always got embarrassed when people gave her compliments.
    Martin was lying on the sofa. Behind it, Beth could see the cabinet displaying the cups and trophies her uncle had won in plowing competitions.
    Oliver Badby sat at the table, working at the computer. He looked up and smiled as Beth and Storm came in. “Hello. What have you two been up to?”
    â€œWe . . . I’ve finished cleaning up all the milk in the dairy. I thought Martin might like to go out with us or something,” Beth said.
    Her uncle frowned and glanced at Martin. “What’s that about milk?”
    â€œEr . . . nothing!” Martin said hurriedly, getting up in a rush and pushing Beth out. “Come on, Beth. Let’s go and see if Mom needs any help with her shopping.”
    â€œBut she’s not even back yet . . .” Beth protested, shaking off his arm.
    â€œDuh! I know that! But Dad doesn’t, does he?” Martin scoffed. “And why did you have to mention the milk?”
    But once in the hall, his shoulders slumped. “Dad’s been talking about taking Ella to