The Bark Before Christmas Read Online Free Page A

the one receiving all the attention.
    I squatted down beside her, wrapped my arm around her body, and gave her a hug. Faith leaned into me. Her tail waved gently back and forth. It was just enough to let me know that we were good.
    â€œThe third call,” said Davey, “was Aunt Peg offering to give me a lesson in how to manage Augie’s ears at the show. She wants me to be sure to hold them back so that Mrs. Wilburn can see Augie’s length of muzzle and the chiseling under his eyes.”
    â€œI told her I’d take care of that part,” said Sam. “And that all she has to do is come and watch.”
    â€œI’m sure that went over well,” I said.
    Aunt Peg was a doer, not a watcher. Having scaled back the extent of her own exhibiting due to the demands of her busy judging schedule, she now seemed determined to compete vicariously through her great-nephew.
    â€œAt least she hasn’t called back again,” said Davey.
    â€œDon’t worry, Sam and I will run interference for you at the show,” I told him. “Not only that, but I’ve got a brilliant idea. One that should keep her busy all day.”
    â€œWhatever it is, I already love it,” Sam said. Davey nodded in agreement.
    â€œAunt Peg’s a Howard Academy alum. I’m going to get her to walk around the show and encourage local exhibitors to support the Santa Claus and Pets Booth at next week’s Christmas bazaar. Aunt Peg knows everybody. Not only that, but there’s nothing she likes more than telling people what to do. So why not marry those two things together and put her to work on behalf of a good cause?”
    â€œGood thinking,” said Sam.
    â€œThat sounds a whole lot better than having her follow me around all day, telling me everything I’m doing wrong,” Davey said glumly.
    â€œCheer up,” I told him. “This is supposed to be fun. And you’re not going to do anything wrong.”
    â€œI hope not,” said Davey.
    â€œI just hope Kev keeps his clothes on,” I replied.

Chapter 3
    D og show exhibitors spend half their lives in cars, driving to far-flung locations. Or at least that’s the way it feels.
    Living in southwestern Connecticut, we were ideally situated dog-show-wise. Nearly every weekend of the year we were within easy driving distance of events in both the New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. The shows we’d entered that weekend were taking place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
    Exhibitors often find themselves dealing with indoor venues that offer cramped conditions, bad lighting, and nonexistent parking. Compared to that, the Big E was a very welcome alternative. Dog shows held at that location are always a huge draw, and nearly everyone we knew would be exhibiting. There were major entries in all three varieties of Poodles.
    Since we only had Augie to prep for the ring, our arrival was timed for midmorning. By then, the coliseum building was already crowded. Bertie, who had gotten to the show shortly after dawn with her whole string of dogs, had saved us a spot in the grooming area right next to her own setup.
    We left our car in the unloading zone, and made our way across the huge room, looking like an itinerant band of gypsies. Sam dragged the dolly loaded with Augie’s crate and grooming table, the wooden tack box, and various other dog show necessities. Davey had Augie on a leash. The two of them bounced up and down with excitement and ran on ahead to explore.
    Kevin and I straggled along in the rear. Kev is endlessly fascinated by the world around him and when I’m not in a hurry, I love his artless curiosity. Now, however, life would have been happier with a less inquisitive child.
    No matter how hard I tried to point the toddler in the right direction and keep him moving forward, he still managed to find a reason to stop every few seconds. Kev was intrigued by everything from