The Good Dog Read Online Free Page A

which he was stuffing into his mouth. In his other hand he had two large dog biscuits.
    â€œCome on, McKinley,” Jack called. “Let’s go.”
    Aspen barked at McKinley. “Now what?”
    â€œThe pup wants to find Duchess, too.”
    â€œAre you serious?”
    â€œAfraid so.”
    â€œBut. . . why?”
    â€œNot sure. He wants me to help him.”
    â€œWill you?”
    â€œI’ll lead him somewhere else.”
    â€œAlways getting involved.”
    â€œWhat’s that mean?”
    â€œYou watch out for everyone but yourself.”
    â€œHere you go, McKinley,” Jack called, offering him a biscuit.
    McKinley snapped up both.
    â€œMcKinley!” the boy cried. “You greedy cow!”
    McKinley dropped one of the biscuits at Aspen’s feet before swallowing the other in a gulp.
    Aspen moved away without taking it up.
    McKinley whined. “What’s the matter?”
    As the retriever retreated into the bushes she looked back over her shoulder. “When you’re not so busy taking care of everyone, I’ll let you know.”
    Disappointed, McKinley stood looking after her. Then he turned. Jack was already pedaling furiously down the way. “Come on, boy!” he was yelling.
    With a sigh of frustration, McKinley loped after him.

5
    P ycraft lived on the corner of Elk Scat Way and Raccoon Way.
    Next to the house, closed off by a wire fence, was a hard-packed dirt area. In it stood two poles linked by a cable with a leash that dangled from it to the ground. Usually, Duchess was snapped onto this leash so that she could run back and forth—but little more.
    There were toys scattered about, as well as rough sticks for Duchess to chew.
    Next to the farther pole, and up against the rear fence, was a doghouse—like a tiny human pup’splayhouse. It had a door that could be swung open. Before this door stood two dented tin food bowls.
    McKinley observed it all with disgust.
    â€œThis is Mr. Pycraft’s house,” the pup explained as if McKinley didn’t know. “I’m going to see if he’ll let us into the yard so you can get a whiff of Duchess’s scent. That would help you a lot, wouldn’t it?”
    Not sure what was about to happen, McKinley sat on the sidewalk while Jack went up to the house and knocked on the door. The boy turned to smile at him.
    Feeling tense, McKinley yawned.
    The house door opened, and Pycraft came out. He was a short, fat man with a sour smell about him. He also smelled of the stuff that people burned in their mouths, an odor McKinley detested.
    When the man appeared, McKinley could not restrain himself from standing, wrinkling his nose, and curling his lips back from his teeth. His tail bristled.
    â€œWhat do you want, kid?” the man asked. “If you’re selling school junk, I’m not interested.”
    â€œMr. Pycraft, sir, my name is Jack Kostof. I live a couple of blocks over—”
    â€œKostof, eh?” the man said. He was looking past the boy at McKinley. “I guess I know your dad. A tree hugger.”
    â€œYes, sir, but I was wondering—”
    â€œThat your dog over there?”
    Jack looked back over his shoulder. “McKinley? Yes, sir, that’s him.”
    â€œHe looks mean. He part wolf?”
    â€œHe’s a malamute.”
    â€œYou should keep him on a leash.”
    â€œDon’t worry about McKinley, Mr. Pycraft. He’s very obedient. And friendly. Wouldn’t harm anyone.”
    The man was glaring at him. McKinley lifted his head and gave a howl of territorial claim.
    â€œWhat’s bugging him?” Pycraft asked.
    â€œI don’t know,” Jack said.
    â€œKid, if you want to talk, make your dog shut up.”
    â€œMcKinley!” Jack cried. “Be quiet, boy!”
    McKinley suppressed the howl, but glowered at the man.
    â€œThat’s better,” Pycraft said. “Now, what’s up,