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Leo jumped out of the car wrapping the towel around Buddy. “It’s okay, Buddy,” he said, holding the dog close. “You’re coming home with me.” Buddy licked his face, as if he understood. When they got home, Leo gave Buddy a warm bath, dried him off with a hair dryer (which made Buddy’s fur stand up like a fluff ball), and fed him a big bowl of warm dog food. Buddy ate greedily, then curled up on the rug by the fireplace, his eyes never leaving Leo. That night, Leo slept with Buddy at the foot of his bed. He felt Buddy’s soft breath on his feet, and he smiled, knowing he’d never be lonely again. In the weeks that followed, Leo made friends at school—kids who loved dogs too. They’d come over to play with Buddy, and Leo would laugh as Buddy chased them around the yard, his tail wagging so hard
- Writer
