The Lucky Leprechaun: Astro's Adventures

By Susan Day

Tricked into going to Ireland by a wicked leprechaun, Astro and the gang are forced to find the King’s special pet.

Only this pet is not the type of animal any dog should be made to save.

It’s wicked and cruel and can make you obey its every command just by purring!
That’s right - the dogs are sent all over Ireland to save a cat!

On the way, they encounter a whole host of magical creatures, stunning scenery and not to mention, a very polite donkey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Day
• Release date: Jul 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311057037

Susan Day

Susan is an author, canine behaviourist, and a storyteller. She lives with her family and dogs, in particular, Rocky the Border collie and Stella, the blind dog. She spends her time blogging, writing and illustrating; training and counselling dogs and being bossed around by the family cat, Speed Bump Charlie and his sidekick, Furball (see Dogs in Space). Susan travelled around the world twice before she was seven years old. It seemed only fitting that the wonderful events she experienced and the places she visited on these journeys be recorded for history. Thus, her story telling skills began. Firstly, to Rupert Bear, her lifelong companion, and then to a host of imaginary friends and finally to her pet dog once the family finally set down roots in Australia. Susan is passionate about children's literature and wants to inspire children to be better people and encourage them to follow their dreams. She runs workshops for children teaching them how to form the wonders of their imaginations into stories. Susan lives in a small country town where there are more kangaroos than people. She shares her country property with four dogs, three cats, three rescue guinea pigs and a very large fish and her patient husband. More about her adventures are reflected in Clarence the Snake from Dunolly.

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The Lucky Leprechaun

Astro’s Adventures

by

Susan Day

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Susan Day on Smashwords

The Lucky Leprechaun

Astro’s Adventures

by

Copyright © 2016 by Susan Day

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The Lucky Leprechaun

Astro’s Adventures

Chapter 1

Walking down a dusty road in India, our heroes – Astro, Rocky, Alfie, Stella, Digger and Indy – were feeling very proud of themselves. After all, they had just finished a very important mission rescuing a tiger cub, and returning her to her grateful owners.

Rescuing animals was what these dogs did best. In fact, they belonged to a secret group that saved dogs from neglect. For our purposes, reader, we will simply call it: The Organisation. As we are humans and its real name is known only to canines.

The dogs that work there are called Operatives and their job is to rescue dogs left on chains, dogs that have no food or water, and dogs that needed a warm bed, lots of treats and the occasional lazy cat to chase.

Astro and the team have had some amazing adventures. They have been shot into space to rescue the moon; delivered a baby dragon to the Imperial Palace in China and; as just mentioned, saved a tiger cub.

Hailing from Australia, our team of heroic dogs were looking forward to going home. They had loved seeing the world and meeting some very interesting characters, but now they wanted to head back to the airport and fly home.

They strolled together towards the airport, homeward bound, with that exact thought in each of their minds. All of a sudden, however, Alfie stopped and held his nose up into the air.

Alfie was a large Doberman who had an appetite that never quit. He was very strong, but he smelt very bad. Regardless, he was good hearted and very loyal to his friends and The Organisation.

What is that fantastic smell? he gasped, Oooh, my tummy is sooo empty!

Is it ever full? Digger quipped.

Digger was a small terrier who was the team’s ... well, digger.

His ability to dig long, deep tunnels was legendary. He wore a small green beret and, despite his often dirty work, always managed to remain remarkably clean.

Alfie might have a point, Digger, Commander Rocky said. Look ahead. There’s a van selling food on the side of the road. We could all do with a nice meal before we head home.

Rocky was their commander and leader. He was a large, black Border collie whose patience was often tested by his motley crew.

That, illustrious Commander, is the best thing you’ve said all day! Alfie smacked his lips and pushed past the others and ran in front.

If he gets there before us there will be no food left! Astro warned.

Astro was a large, grey shaggy dog. His adventures begun when he started the greatest rescue of all.

It was the day The Organisation saved all the dogs at the Check Out – a place where dogs are abandoned and never leave. Well, not on that day. Astro helped rescue every last one. If you want to read about, look for The Great Escape!

Well, what are we waiting for?! Digger yelled, breaking out into a run.

Despite Alfie’s eagerness to get to the van first, they all arrived together.

It’s not open! Alfie cried. Oh, that’s not fair. I’m starving and I was sure I smelt food!

The shutters are down and there doesn’t seem to be anyone inside, Indy said.

Indy was the toughest dog on the team. She was the commando expert and wore a khaki waistcoat and a utility belt. The items that hung on that belt were notorious and legendary.

There was her hunting bone which she used to bop many a baddie on the head and, worst of all, dear readers, her stink bombs.

Just like normal bombs, they exploded, but instead of destruction they let out a smell so terrible and so heinous it is said that some never recovered.

How does she arm such a terrible device? By rubbing them on Alfie’s armpits! Phew-Wee, what a stink!

Look at the pictures on the front of this food van, Digger said. They don’t look like they are from India.

You’re right, Digger. Look, there’s a four-leaf clover and a pot of gold, Indy said.

And there’s a lucky horseshoe and a lucky penny here, Astro pointed.

And a cute leprechaun waving to everyone painted up here, Alfie pointed above the shutters, And look, it says, ‘Welcome to the Lucky Leprechaun!’ Well, isn’t that cute.

It looks like it’s from Ireland, Rocky said, frowning, More out of place than cute, Alfie.

Astro walked around the back of the van.

Oh, look, the back door is open. I suppose it would be okay if we went inside and helped ourselves. We could always leave the money on the counter to pay for the food, he said.

Oh Boy, am I feeling lucky?! That is the best idea you’ve had all day! Alfie laughed, pushing past Astro and jumping up the van steps.

The other dogs followed him inside.

Wow! It sure is bigger on the inside than it looks, Astro said.

I’ll say. Look at the couches and cushions. There’s a big table and chairs, oh, and a television. There is even a food bar. There’s plenty of food in it too, Alfie, Indy pointed out.

Where?! Alfie pushed past everyone.

Stella climbed into the van last of all. She was a small Cocker spaniel and although she was said to be hundreds of years old she looked like a puppy.

She had the ability to sense things were going to happen before they did and could talk to other creatures through her thoughts. She was also completely blind.

I have a strange feeling about this place, she said, throwing her nose up in the air, It doesn’t feel right.

Oh, come on, Stella. It’s a van painted with lucky charms sitting on a dirt road in India. What could be strange about that? Digger winked at her.

Stella might be right. What if this is some sort of trap? Commander Rocky agreed.

Alfie turned around from the food bar with his mouth bursting with sausages. Well, this is the most delicious trap I have ever been in! he mumbled.

Digger and Astro helped themselves too.

Oh, look hamburgers! Astro smiled.

Tofu, thank goodness someone has thought of vegetarians, Digger nodded his approval.

Protein shakes, in six of my favourite flavours! Indy chuckled, making her way to the drinks bar.

Despite their reservations, Commander Rocky and Stella couldn’t resist the food either.

Within a few minutes the dogs were happily munching and crunching away. They found their favourite food cooked just the way they liked it.

Commander Rocky reached into his pocket.

Come on, everyone. Let’s put our money together and pay for this wonderful food, he said. It’s time we headed home.

Chapter 2

As Commander Rocky spoke a tiny light appeared near the ceiling.

What’s that? Alfie gabbled, his mouth still bursting with sausages.

I’m not sure but it’s certainly bright, Astro said, blinking and shielding his eyes.

The light grew bigger and bigger. Then, with a loud pop, the light burst apart and, much to the surprise of the dogs, a leprechaun floated in the air in front of them.

He was only 12 inches tall and he wore brown pants and a green jacket. On his head sat a large green hat which had a silver buckle. The buckle matched the ones on his tiny black shoes. Three silver curls stuck out from under his hat.

The leprechaun was holding a corn pipe that he seemed to be smoking.

Goodness me! Stella