Movin’ Over!: Book # 3 in the Movin’ Series

By Jerry S. Hutter

”T. Ferral and Howard McAlister’s Dog and Cat Rescue and Adoption Agency” has been open for one whole year! Cianan, Samantha, Josie, Ferral, and all the animals decide to have a big anniversary celebration! In the course of their celebrating by going on a float trip, the group discovers two men dumping chemicals into a river, killing fish and harming the environment. At their big party, one of their new puppies gets out of the gate and is stolen by dognappers! A pair of birds meet and fall in love-but what happens to their nest of eggs? Attempting to solve some environmental problems leads the group to more new adventures! Will they find the culprits ? Will the “bad guys” get caught? Will justice prevail? And how does it all end? Read and find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664189188

Jerry S. Hutter

Jerry Hutter loves children, animals, & old people, a group in which she finds herself belonging now.. She enjoys imagining stories about animals & has an extensive stuffed animal collection. She is an RN, still working into her 43rd year. She enjoys swimming laps (40most days) , beaches, & hiking in the woods with her dogs and family. Other hobbies are attending live plays, photography of family, friends & pets, & swing & freestyle dancing to live bands. She is an almost lifelong resident of St.Louis, & counts herself as one of the staunchest Cardinals fans! Jerry belongs to the Mo. Pageant Alumni Club, which sponsors the yearly Ms. Senior Missouri pageant. This group of 60-year-old-plus talented ladies entertain at nursing homes and other venues, and donate their funds to charities. She has 3 grown children, 5 grandchildren, & 1 great-grandaughter, who bring her a lot of joy!

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 by Jerry S. Hutter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/11/2021

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

832458

Contents

Chapter 1 What’s New, Pussycat?

Chapter 2 Birds of a Feather

Chapter 3 Two’s company, 340 is a crowd!

Chapter 4 An Extra Dog

Chapter 5 Love by a Clear Blue Stream …and a Waterfall!

Chapter 6 Happy Anniversary!

Chapter 7 Another Day in the Life of T. Ferral

Chapter 8 On the Home Front

Chapter 9 Floating your troubles away!

Chapter 10 Make New Friends — and Keep the Old …

Chapter 11 Big is Small, Weak is Strong.

Chapter 12 From Carnivore to Vegetarian. (In one fowl swoop!)

Chapter 13 Danger!!!

Chapter 14 SURGERY!!!

Chapter 15 A Hard Nut to Crack

Chapter 16 R & R — Recovery & Recuperation

Chapter 17 Birds of a Feather…. Flock Together!

Chapter 18 Party Planning!

Chapter 19 Sunrise, Sunset

Chapter 20 Happy Anniversary, Shelter!

Chapter 21 We’ve Only Just Begun…

Chapter 22 More Danger!

Chapter 23 Danger on Shade Tree Lane!

Chapter 24 Meanwhile, Back at the Shelter….

Chapter 25 Bath Day!

Chapter 26 Love, Marriage and a Baby Carriage…….

Chapter 27 EGGS!!!!

Chapter 28 OH NO!

Chapter 29 Investigation!

Chapter 30 Love is in the Air!

Chapter 31 Wedding Day!!

Chapter 32 Happily Ever After?

Chapter 33 Night Court

Chapter 34 Happy Endings—or Another Beginning?

Special Thanks to:

Diane Carder, cover art designer

Editing by Shirley Wolverson

Dedicated to my late friends

Theresa Ann Lee, Mary Leigh Hotto,

Richard Knoff, Julie Campise,

Jeffery K. Warfield, Susan Richardson, Jane Lee Saufnauer.

Thank you for enriching my life and being my friend.

Chapter 1

What’s New, Pussycat?

It was a warm day in early spring. The breeze had lost its winter chill, sweaters were put away, and new buds were beginning to peek out on branches and plants. Grass was starting to turn green. Birds were chirping in the happiness of spring, bunnies were hopping, and T. Ferral’s & Howard McAlister’s Dog and Cat Rescue & Adoption Agency was alive and well.

Cianan, Samantha, and Josie were just getting started on a Saturday morning.

Hey, our adoption notebook is on its last page! Do you believe this? We have adopted out an entire notebook of stray dogs and cats! Cianan held up the notebook, showing that the notebook only had about 3/4 of the last page left.

Wow! That is awesome, you guys! Josie exclaimed.

Cianan, do you have any idea how many we’ve adopted out? Samantha asked.

No, I’m going to count them all in just a bit, after we get done cleaning the animals’ rooms this morning. Better get going — we may have a lot of customers today! It’s a beautiful, dog- and cat-adopting kind of day! Cianan exclaimed enthusiastically.

Samantha looked out the front window.

The sun is so bright, with only a wisp of a cloud in the sky! We should let all the animals stay out most of today — it’s gorgeous! Samantha said excitedly.

Yes, let’s get them out while we clean their rooms — much easier that way, anyway, Cianan added.

Go ahead, guys, Josie said, I’m going to take inventory and see what we need to order this week.

Oh, I think we could use some more rawhide for the dogs, and some catnip for the cats, Samantha reminded Josie.

Hey, go light on the catnip for that one gal, Sally. She gets a bit too crazy on the stuff! The other day she was racing through the place at breakneck speed and running into other animals. We had some visitors, and she crashed into the kids’ legs! Kinda scared them, I think. What am I supposed to tell people, that’s just our resident over-catnipped cat? Cianan asked.

Everyone laughed a bit.

Okay. Sally is so cute, though… when she’s calm. Samantha added.

Just then, the front doorbell rang. Ding-a-ling-a-ling! They turned to see Angela McAlister Brown coming in the door with a huge box. Mr. Brown, her new husband, was carrying the other end.

Josie rushed forward. Can I help you all? You got it? she asked.

Angela laughed.

Yes, we’ve got it, but John, let’s set it down! It’s SO heavy! They gently set the big box down in the front office. Whew! exclaimed Angela, and she wiped her brow with her hand.

The kids gathered around.

What is it? Looks awfully heavy! Cianan asked.

Yes, what is it? Something for the dogs? Something for the shelter? asked Josie.

Well, it’s for the shelter, but it goes in the back yard. Come on, help us carry it back there and I’ll show you! Angela let Cianan and Josie get one end, and her husband carried the other end as Samantha helped guide them through the curtain and navigate through the backroom. Then she opened the back door for them.

They set the large box down in the far back part of the big back yard. The dogs and cats were now coming up to greet Angela and John, and they all began sniffing the box.

Smells good! Is it a BIG box of treats? asked Sally the cat, rubbing up against the box.

Is it a box of doggie toys? asked Milton, one of the Beagle mixes.

I bet it’s a huge box of dry dog food! yelped Oreo, a small black and white dog.

Nope! You’re all wrong! Angela said cheerily. It’s a… John, can you open it for them? she asked.

John got out a box knife and began to cut the top of the box. Cianan helped him take the top off, and then pull the cardboard sides off the 3-foot-high box.

The dogs looked perplexed.

What is that contraption? Harry the hairless dog asked.

It’s a…. birdbath? asked Samantha, surprised.

Yes, yes! Angela exclaimed. It will be perfect back here! We have several trees, and you all can watch the birds. I thought it would be an awesome addition to this beautiful backyard. What do you think, kids? Do you like to watch birds eat? asked Angela.

"I like to watch myself eat!" said Max, a rather large black cat, then he giggled and smoothed out his whiskers.

Since it’s a bird BATH, wouldn’t we be watching them BATHE instead? asked Cianan trying NOT to sound sarcastic.

Shouldn’t bathing be a private affair, not a spectator sport? asked Augie, a German shepherd.

Angela laughed.

Oh, you kids and dogs are so funny! It’s okay to watch birds bathe — sometimes they are only drinking, not actually washing. It’s perfectly socially acceptable, and fun, too! Angela added.

All the animals began chatting among themselves, wondering what it would be like to have a lot of birds eating and bathing in their backyard.

Don’t we need to purchase shower curtains, and shower caps? What about soap? asked a baby kitten, Mewlinda.

No, dear. They will just use their feathers and beaks. They’ll be fine! Angela informed the baby kitten, who purred and leaned against her mother.

It doesn’t take up too much room. But what about when we have our badminton net up? asked Foxie, one of the dogs who loved to play games.

Hmmm, that’s right. Angela thought for a minute. Let’s put it in the very back corner under that tree, so it won’t get in the way of the badminton net! Sound good? Angela asked the animals.

Perfect! Yes! said Millie, a beautiful yellowish lab mix. All the dogs and cats agreed.

Another thing, no harassing or scaring the birds. Only friendly conversations — you know what kind of place we run here! Best behavior only! Josie reminded the animals.

Of course! Why would you even think…? asked Perry a male calico cat.

John, let’s move this to the back of the yard under that tree. Angela instructed her husband.

Okay, dear. Cianan and Josie, can you help? The three of them grabbed ahold and moved the birdbath to the back of the yard.

Oh, dear, we forgot the birdfeeder in the car, Angela said to John. Look, it can go right next to the birdbath.

I’ll be right back with it, dear. John left to go get the birdfeeder.

Wow. This place is starting to be like a zoo! Samantha said.

It already IS like a zoo! Cianan chimed in.

Everyone laughed a bit and agreed, Yeah, it sure is!

You can say that again! one dog said.

That again! a cat said.

Ha-ha, you’re so funny I forgot to laugh! the dog said to the cat.

It’s like a zoo around here! the cat repeated; and glared at the dog. The dog stuck his tongue out at the cat.

They certainly did have a wide mix of cats and dogs, but no mice. Ezra and Melanie, their mice family, had moved back to Angela’s garage so their family could expand. There seemed to be more and more mice every day!

This birdbath is beautiful! Samantha stated, as she noticed carved cement flowers and vines going up the sides of the birdbath, painted in pretty colors. Where did you find this? she asked in awe.

At a cute little shop in a nearby town, that has antiques and unique garden items. I loved it, too. The moment I saw it, I knew it would be PERFECT for this place! And I love birdwatching — it’s really fun! Have you tried it before? Angela asked the kids.

I just generally notice them as they fly around, nothing special. Cianan answered.

I see some pretty ones every once in a while! Samantha said. A cardinal, and a finch, and a blue jay! The other day, I saw a hummingbird! Samantha was excited!

Ohhh… maybe we could get a hummingbird feeder, too! Angela paused and looked up, tapping her finger on her cheek, as if thinking.

At that moment John returned with a birdfeeder on a large pole.

Oh, good, John. Put that near to the birdbath. That way, they can eat and bathe close together. Angela said.

Sounds like a family affair! Millie, a small yellow dog, suggested.

Like a one-stop shopping center! Samantha said.

John worked at digging a hole for the birdfeeder pole.

Angela asked Cianan — Can you go get the hose and fill the birdbath up?

Oh, sure. Right away! Cianan said. I’ve never really paid much attention to birds before…, he added as he unfurled the coiled hose by the building.

Oh, it’s more fun than you can imagine! They are so pretty, and fun to watch. You can sometimes see some rare species, if you’re lucky, Angela enthused.

John said, I’m going to the hardware store to get some cement to put down this hole, to hold the feeder pole in place. Be back in a flash! he smiled at Angela and the kids, then strode towards the door.

Bye, dear! Angela said, I’ll stay here and play with the dogs and cats. Hey, anyone up for a game of catch? The dogs all gathered around, and Angela clapped her hands.

Go find your ball, and we’ll play! The biggest dog, Alfred, ran in through the doggie door, and in a minute brought out a nice tennis ball and brought it to Angela.

Alright, everyone. Get in a spot, and let’s play some catch! All the dogs got into a different spot in the backyard, and Angela began throwing the balls to them. Some dogs rolled the ball back to her or brought it to her. Alfred, being larger, stood on his hind legs, and tossed it back with his mouth.

Good shot, Alfred! Angela called to him. You could be a circus dog!

Really?? You think I could? Alfred asked her. He smiled proudly! He seemed quite complimented, but he had NO idea of leaving this hallowed place! He loved it here! It was a dog and cat paradise! He wasn’t even sure he wanted to find a permanent home — it was too much fun here! They got lots of attention, a warm, comfy place to sleep, and the food — ah, the food was to die for, and frequently they got awesome treats! This was mostly thanks to Angela, and to Cianan and Samantha’s parents, Debbie and Doug, who often would bring in bags of yummy treats for the cats AND the dogs! Even Josie used her allowance for treats!

As the dogs were playing, the kids decided they better go back in.

Come on, Cianan, room-cleaning time! Samantha called.

Oh yeah. Let’s get it over with. I’m not much into cleaning, you know, he replied sullenly.

I know. I’ve seen your room, Samantha said, and laughed.

At that moment, Ferral came into the backyard and said, heads up, guys. I’ve got some new friends I want everyone to meet!

Everyone stopped playing ball and ran over to Ferral and three new dogs.

Yuck, yuck, yuck, laughed Ferral. Now give these boys some breathin’ room! This is Zacuzzi, Zylophone, and Zenith. They are brothers!

There stood three beautiful, but too thin, tan lab mixes about 6 months old.

I found them on a country road just outside of town, in a field. Poor things! They’re really hungry. Can we get them something to eat and drink, Cianan? asked Ferral. Introduce yourselves, but don’t overwhelm them, guys. They’re new. Remember what it was like your first day, meeting all these new faces! Ferral reminded the animals.

And butts! Milton added. Everyone laughed.

Uh, why don’t you line up and take turns introducing yourselves and welcoming them, and Cianan and I will get lunch set up, Ferral suggested. Okay, Cianan?

Yeah, I guess I’ll have to put the cleaning on hold for now. Sorry, Samantha, Cianan grinned happily.

Samantha frowned, I need some help with the rooms, though… she said, a little disgruntled.

Oh, I can help you, dear! Angela volunteered.

Oh, Angela, but you’ve got on your nice clothes!

Oh, this old thing? No, it’s just an old pair of pants I do my shopping and gardening in. I’m fine. Come on, I’m ready! You guys can continue to pay ball! Angela directed the dogs.

Samantha and Angela went in to start hosing down the floors, picking up dirty towels and blankets for the wash, and putting out fresh ones.

Samantha put out fresh bowls of water and Cianan and Ferral started lining up bowls of food for the dogs’ and cats’ luncheon.

Since we have new guests, I’m breaking out the silver bowls today! and some special liver treats! Ferral said enthusiastically.

Yeah! They’ll love it! It’s like a holiday! Cianan exclaimed.

Every day’s a holiday when you have great dogs and cats in your life, Angela said, smiling as she was washing some of the dogs’ rooms.

And great kids! Ferral added. Everyone smiled and set about their work. Josie went out to the front desk in case they had anyone come in to look at animals.

In about 10 minutes John returned with a bucket, a trowel, and a bag of cement.

I’ll mix this up outside and put it in the birdfeeder pole hole, he told Angela as everyone was just getting ready for the animals to have their lunch.

That’s fine, dear.

Ferral asked, Are we ready? All set now?

Cianan nodded.

I’ll go call the kids! Ferral said as he looked around at all the silver bowls, each with some wonderful looking dry food, and a doggie treat by each bowl; big bowls of freshwater were at the end of each row of bowls.

Chowtime! Line up and enter in single file — no running! Ferral told the animals.

Zenith, Zacuzzi, and Zylophone, you get to go first, as our guests. The three dogs went to the front of the line, and slowly and shyly entered the doggie door. Cianan guided them to their individual bowls.

Over here, guys. At the head of this row. Enjoy!

The dogs were almost overcome with emotion; they were so hungry, though, that they looked at each other and began chowing down.

Delicious! Zylophone said.

Awesome! Zenith said, his mouth full!

Thank you so much, Ferral! Zacuzzi said, chomping down the delicious food.

You’re very welcome! Now you’ll stay here with us, until we get you a forever home! Ferral smiled at the new dogs. They were nice, good dogs, Ferral could tell.

Ferral stood back, watching his big group of dogs and cats eating happily, and having doggie and kitty conversations as they ate. Just like people do!

They had been abandoned in the country, poor things! Ferral whispered to Angela, Cianan, Samantha, and Josie.

How could anyone do that to poor, innocent animals? Josie asked in horror!

I’m so glad they’re safe here with us, Ferral! Samantha said.

Cianan, do we have any extra rooms? Ferral asked. I know we’ve got a lot of animals right now.

I’ve got two available, and I’ve got one in the storage room I can bring out, Cianan said. We’ll just make it.

We need to get some homes for these folks, Ferral observed, looking around at the huge group of homeless animals.

Yes, we do, Josie agreed.

Hey, maybe I can put up some posters, like you all did when you first started, to find a home for KoKo! Angela said. She was referring to the very first doggie that Ferral rescued and how it all started when they tried to find him a home!

Great idea! Cianan agreed. I can print them out, and we can help hang them up at places of business and on phone poles and stop signs, like we did before!

Cianan sounded excited! He loved using his artistic ability to make the posters.

I’ll buy some colored paper to make them more noticeable! Angela offered to help. I can go to some of the stores in the area, too, and hang them up!

This ought to be fun! We need to get some people in here! Josie exclaimed.

Yes, it has been rather status quo lately. We need to get some animals some homes! Samantha agreed.

It’s been calm around here now for too long! Josie added.

Little did they know, things were about to change — and in ways they could never have imagined!

Chapter 2

Birds of a Feather

Cianan and Angela had worked on the posters and got them up by Wednesday of the following week. The new birdbath began attracting birds, and the new birdfeeder was interesting to watch! Angela brought in a big bag of bird food and seed and Samantha filled up the feeder.

This ought to be interesting! she said, as she poured bird seed mix with sunflower seeds into the feeder. The feeder had a round flat surface the birds could sit on to eat the seeds. She had barely stepped away to the back of the building when several birds landed on the feeder and began pecking at the seeds.

Cianan, Josie, Ferral! Look! Some birds have already come to our feeder! she called inside to the others as she opened the back door.

Quickly, the others came and stepped quietly outside the back door.

Oh, awesome! Josie exclaimed and smiled. Look at that pretty little one with yellow wings!

Hey, there’s a cardinal! Samantha stated excitedly.

So many pretty birds! Look at them eat! And there goes one to the birdbath — oh, he’s dipping in his seed, then eating it. A dunker! Ferral said, Yuck, yuck, yuck! Ferral laughed. He could do wonders with cookies and milk, too, I reckon! Ferral continued to chuckle.

Birds came, birds landed. At one time there must have been ten birds on the feeder and three in the bird bath!

The dogs were being good and staying away from the feeder so as not to scare the birds away.

Look, a blue jay! Cianan noted. I’m going to bring my binoculars here tomorrow! he said.

Why? Can’t you see the birds? Are you losing your eyesight? Samantha asked and looked a bit worried.

No, I just want to see them closer and get a good look at their feathers. Some of them are so – colorful!

Great idea, Cianan! Ferral said. Maybe we should get a camera and take some photos… we could print them out or send them to a bird photo contest. Ferral suggested.

Or print them out and make Christmas cards, or photos for people to hang up in their homes! Samantha suggested.

Hey, we could take photos of the dogs and hand them out, too. Then we could always remember the ones we gave away to good homes. Maybe we could make Christmas cards of them, too! We could sell the cards to make money for our agency — for dog food, treats, etc. What do you think? Josie suggested.

Great ideas, everyone! Yes, Cianan, bring those binoculars. Can you borrow your parent’s camera again? We can start taking photos! Ferral suggested.

I’m sure they won’t mind… at least, I don’t think they will! Cianan said.

They sat on a bench and continued to watch the birds. The dogs and cats came and huddled next to them and watched the birds, too. They all became enthralled.

Look at that one, Horace! He’s a feisty thing! Look at that one! Man, he must be REALLLY hungry!

They all sat and watched the birds for a while. It was quite entertaining actually!

Well, come on, Cianan, we’ve got to clean those rooms before it’s time for the animals to come back in.

Hey, dogs, how about a badminton game? Ferral asked the dogs.

Yes, yes! We’d love it!

Okay, divide up into teams. Here — I ’ll give everyone a number. Line up. Okay, you are number one, then two, then one — go down the line. Then all ones on the back side, all twos on the front side. I’ll go set up the net and get the rackets and the poufy thing. Ferral said.

Uh, Ferral, that’s called a birdie. said Alfred.

Oh yeah. So it is, so it is! Yuck, yuck, yuck Ferral laughed. Seems we’re having LOTS of birdies today! Ferral laughed again and glanced at the new birdfeeder and birdbath, filled up with birds.

Then all the dogs played a fun two hours of badminton, holding the rackets with their teeth. They were pretty good, too! They laughed, they hit the birdie, they ran and picked it up when it dropped; they had a ball! The cats sat and talked and licked their paws and smoothed their whiskers and participated in a little cat gossip.

Did you hear who missed the litter box the other day? Oh, my! said Sylvia.

Did you hear who has a crush on a dog? A DOG, for heaven’s sakes! Unheard of! Everyone continued to chat in low tones.

I think Marigold stole an extra treat yesterday! someone whispered.

When all the animals went back inside for dinner after their wonderful fun-filled afternoon, birds continued to come to the birdbath and feeder. A very bright red, handsome cardinal came, and a beautiful robin, with bright orange breast feathers.

Hey, sweetheart, how are you doing? the male cardinal asked the female robin.

Sorry, I don’t talk to strange birds, the robin replied, as she continued pecking and searching for the best seeds.

Ha. That’s funny! Cause you know what? I am NO strange bird! I’m pretty wonderful, even if I do say so myself! the cardinal said proudly. He then hopped over next to the robin.

And I do! he chuckled.

Do you mind? I’m busy trying to get some good seeds, the robin said, a bit exasperated. She hopped over one hop to get away from the cardinal.

"Now, don’t be like