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Columbia-Greene Humane Society
125 Humane-Society Road
Soft Paws By Aaron Clause Kids’ Korner 2 (A story especially for young animal lovers!) Once there was a young boy named Billy. Billy was very, very skinny, and all the other kids on his street teased him. Each day, Billy would go out to play after school, and Jimmy, Tommy and Jenny would come over and call him Chicken Bone. It hurt Billy’s feelings, and made him so sad that he went back inside to cry. On one day that Billy was outside, Billy’s mom heard the kids outside yelling “Chicken Bone, Chicken Bone!” Then Billy came in crying. “They think my name is Chicken Bone!” Billy said to his mom. “Cheer up,” said Billy’s mom. “I have a surprise for you today!” Billy’s mom had brought home a puppy from the dog shelter, and she showed it to Billy. Billy stopped crying and became very happy. “I would like you to name him,” said Billy’s mom. Billy played with the puppy for a while, then went to his mom. “I would like to name the puppy Chicken Bone. Then maybe no one will call me that anymore,” said Billy. Billy’s mom said, “OK. We’ll name the puppy Chicken Bone.” Billy played inside with Chicken Bone each day after school for a week (after homework, of course!). He made sure his collar was on, and that he had all his shiny tags. One day, Billy’s mom said to Billy, “Would you like to walk him outside?” Billy said, “Sure!” and Billy’s mom put a leash on Chicken Bone’s collar. “Be careful to stay in the yard!” said Billy’s mom. Billy was very happy, and he hoped that Jimmy, Tommy and Jenny would all come and see Chicken Bone. Billy was thinking that Chicken Bone might bark and maybe even growl at the other kids if they teased him. While Billy was playing in the yard, Tommy came over and said, “Hi, Chicken Bone.” Billy was sad at first, but then he said, “I’m not Chicken Bone anymore. This is my puppy and his name is Chicken Bone.” Tommy said, “You got a new puppy? That’s cool!” and he came over to Billy and Chicken Bone. “Hi, Chicken Bone,” Tommy said to the puppy. Billy saw that Chicken Bone didn’t bark or growl, but played with Tommy and licked him. Chicken Bone wagged his tail like he did when Billy was playing with him. Billy said to Tommy, “Chicken Bone likes playing with you, and I would like to play with you, too. If you’re Chicken Bone’s friend, you’re my friend too.” Tommy said, “You’re right. I’m sorry I called you Chicken Bone. I’d like to be friends with you and your puppy!” Tommy and Billy played together with Chicken Bone for a while, and then Jimmy and Jenny came over. They looked surprised. “You’re playing with Chicken Bone?” Jimmy and Jenny asked Tommy. “Yes, I am. But Billy isn’t Chicken Bone anymore. His puppy is Chicken Bone!” And when Jimmy and Jenny saw Chicken Bone, they came running over to play. Chicken Bone didn’t bark or growl. He played with Jimmy and Jenny, too, and licked them, and wagged his tail some more. “Chicken Bone likes playing with you, and I’d like to play with you, too. If you’re Chicken Bone’s friend, you’re my friend too,” Billy said to Jimmy and Jenny. “We would like to play with you, too, Billy. AND Chicken Bone!” said Jimmy and Jenny. And all the kids played together each day after school (after homework, of course!), with Chicken Bone always playing and licking and wagging his tail, and nobody called Billy “Chicken Bone” ever again. Remember, kids – don’t tease anyone because of how they look, because you will hurt somebody’s feelings. You should try to get along with everyone just like Chicken Bone did! Tell Mom and Dad that you should never give dogs or puppies chicken bones to eat. They are dangerous and can make dogs very sick. Did you like reading this story? You can write me a letter and tell me why! Put this address on your letter: Aaron Clause C/O Columbia-Greene Humane Society 125 Humane Society Road Hudson, NY 12534
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