Sea Dog Read Online Free Page A

not take her away. That would be wrong.”
    Kyle tried to feel happy. He tried to smile, but his smile went wobbly too. He felt so sad he wanted to cry. But the sadness was not for himself. It was for Bill.
    Bill lived all alone. Kyle lived with his mom.
    Bill’s daughter moved far away. Kyle’s dad lived close by.
    Bill didn’t see Tia very often. Kyle saw his dad every week.
    Kyle looked at his mom. She smiled at him. She didn’t say a word.
    Kyle looked at Treasure. The dog put her nose on his knee. He patted her head.
    Bill stood up. “Thank you for the coffee,” he said. He bent to pat the dog. “Good-bye, Treasure,” he said. He walked slowly to the door.
    â€œYou take her!” Kyle called. “You take Otter. You need her more than me!”

    Bill turned around. “Oh!” he said.
    He smiled a real smile this time. The dog ran to him. He bent to scratch behind her ear. “Thank you, Kyle.”
    Kyle tried to feel happy. But his eyes stung. His heart ached.
    Bill looked at Kyle. “I have a better idea,” he said. “You love this dog as much as I do. Why don’t we share her? I’ll take her sailing when you’re at school. You can pick her up on your way home.”
    Kyle ran over. He scratched behind the dog’s other ear. “Okay.” He smiled at Bill, a huge happy smile.
    â€œWell,” Bill said. “I must go now. I want to take the For Sale sign down.” He walked to the door again. “I feel like sailing after all.”
    Kyle grinned. “I’m seven, but I’ve never ever been sailing!”
    Bill turned around. He looked at Mom. She smiled and nodded.
    â€œThen some days the three of us will sail together. You, me and Treasure.”
    â€œBut, you said her name is Otter!”
    â€œOn the boat I am no longer Bill. I am Cap’n Bill. When we are sailing the dog will be Otter. The rest of the time we’ll call her Treasure. That’s a better name anyway, don’t you think?”
    Kyle looked at Bill. He nodded. “She’s the best treasure anyone ever found!”

Dayle Campbell Gaetz is the author of several books for children and teens. She lives in Campbell River, British Columbia.