Abby Klein - Yikes Bikes!

Boys and girls, Id like to introduce you to Jo, said our teacher, Mrs. Wushy. She works at the local animal shelter, and I invited her here today to talk to you about pet care. It looks like she brought along a furry friend of hers to meet you.

Hello, everyone, said Jo. My name is Jo, and this is Mickey. Hes one of the dogs we have at the shelter right now who is looking for a good home. The shelter is a place where we take care of animals who got lost, ran away, or whose owners didnt want them anymore. Its my job to find them a new home.

Oh, hes cute, said Jessie. I wish I could take him home, but Im not allowed to have any pets in my apartment.

Im not allowed to have any either, I said. I live in a house, but my moms such a Neat Freak, she wont let me have any pets, except my goldfish, Mako.

Well, pets are a big responsibility, said Jo. They take a lot of work. Can anyone tell me one thing you have to do to take care of a dog like Mickey?

Robbie was the first one to raise his hand.

Robbie is my best friend, and he knows a lot about taking care of pets because he has a gecko, a python, and a mouse. He practically has a whole zoo at his house. His mom doesnt mind the smell. You have to feed a pet every day, Robbie said.

Thats right, said Jo. You have to make sure your pet is not only getting enough food, but the right kind of food, as well. Good food makes your pets coat shiny and gives your pet lots of energy to play. Very good comment. What else do you think you need to do for your pets?

Clean up its poop! Max yelled out.

Max, said Mrs. Wushy, if you have something to say, please raise your hand. Do not just yell out.

Max has a good point, Jo continued. In fact, it is the law that you must clean up after your pet. If you take your dog for a walk, make sure you have something to use to pick up after him.

Pooper scooper, pooper scooper, Max blurted out.

Max, this is your last warning, said Mrs. Wushy. If you call out one more time, then you will have to go sit in a chair.

Chloes hand shot up, and she almost poked me in the eye with her painted red fingernails. Oh, I know something thats really important, she said. She thinks everything she says is important. Its so annoying!

Yes, honey, what is it? Jo asked.

All dogs have to go to the beauty parlor.

You mean the groomer, Dumb-Dumb, Max said, snickering. Dogs dont go to the beauty shop.

Did you hear what he just called me? Chloe whined. Mrs. Wushy, I think he should have a time-out.

Chloe, you are not the teacher. You worry about yourself. It is my job to take care of Max, not yours.

Anyway, Chloe continued, I take my dog, Princess, to the beauty parlor every week. They give her a bath, comb out her fur, and tie up her hair in little pink bows so it looks just like mine!

I think Im gonna puke, I whispered to Robbie.

Pets do need baths just like humans, Jo said. You dont have to take them to a groomer, though. You can give them a bath right in your own bathtub.

EWWW, that is so gross, said Chloe, wrinkling up her nose. I wouldnt want to take a bath in the same tub as my dog. Id get doggie cooties!

I think its the other way around, Robbie whispered to me. That poor dog would get cooties from her! We burst out laughing.

Freddy and Robbie, is there something youd like to share with the class? asked Mrs. Wushy.

Oh no, we answered, biting our lips and trying not to laugh.

Is there anything else you think is important? Jo asked, trying to get us back on track.

Jessie raised her hand. Exercise, she said. Pets need to run around and play. I know I go crazy if I cant go out and play.

Very good, said Jo. Exercise makes pets happy and healthy. You can take your dog for a walk or play ball with him. That way, you both get exercise!

Well, boys and girls, its almost time for Jo to go, said Mrs. Wushy, but before she leaves, she has a very special event to tell you all about.

Is it a dog show? Is it a dog show? Chloe asked excitedly. I just know my little Princess will come in first place.

No, its not a dog show, said Jo. Its a Bike-a-thon. We are trying to raise money to care for the animals in the shelter until they are adopted. Heres how it works. We will have a bicycle course set up, and each time you ride around the course, that counts as one lap. You will have one hour to ride as many laps as you can. If you are interested, take this sponsor sheet home and ask your friends and family to pay you for each lap you ride. Whatever money you raise will go to support the animals in the shelter.

That sounds like fun, said Jessie.

It is a lot of fun, answered Jo. Just raise your hand if youre interested, and Ill give you one of these forms.

Everyones hand shot up.

Great! I look forward to seeing everybody two weeks from Saturday, Jo said as she passed out the papers. She put Mickeys leash on and started to head out the door. Good-bye, everybody. Thank you so much for letting me come.

Woof, woof! Mickey barked.

He says, See you on Saturday, too!