Movin’ Back!: The Story of Gossy

By Jerry S. Hutter

Ferral’s shelter is busy rescuing stray cats and dogs. Ferral becomes concerned about a stray brown dog who is looking skinnier everyday, who they’ve seen running the streets. The rescue team decides to rescue her for her own good. But the rumor is-this dog, Gossy, is the fastest dog around, and no once can catch her! They want to enact a rescue-but first they have to FIND her! No onc has ever been able to catch her before! Also, Zacuzzi’s daughter, Trixie , who just started as a senior at Feline and Fido High, encounters the bad problem of bullying! She starts an anti-bullying group-will it work? AND the shelter roof is leaking badly when it rains; can someone come up with ten grand to fix it? Trixie goes to a Miss Teen Dog contest, just as Gossy runs away. Will they ever be able to find Gossy again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669858515

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!

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Copyright © 2023 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: 12/14/2022

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Contents

Dedication

Prologue The True Story of Gossy!

Chapter 1 School Days, School Daze!

Chapter 2 If at First You don’t succeed—

Chapter 3 Do Unto Others—

Chapter 4 Operation Lightening Dog!

Chapter 5 Meet the Parents!

Chapter 6 Planning the Plan

Chapter 7 The Elusive Gossy!

Chapter 8 Reconnaissance!!

Chapter 9 Friends!

Chapter 10 Cherchez la Femme!I!

Chapter 11 Operation Lightening dog II !

Chapter 12 Trixie Goes to High School!

Chapter 13 Gossy at the Shelter.

Chapter 14 Beauty is as Beauty does!

Chapter 15 Gossy Comes Out of her Shell!

Chapter 16 The Interview

Chapter 17 The Search Is On!

Chapter 18 Contesting the Contests!

Chapter 19 Gossy Gets a Job!

Chapter 20 Trixie Plans to Try Out!

Chapter 21 Trixie Tries Out!

Chapter 22 Back in Class.

Chapter 23 Poster Proliferation!

Chapter 24 Bored (of) Meetings!

Chapter 25 An A-team Rescue!

Chapter 26 Drip, Drop, Drippedy Drop!

Chapter 27 A Daring Rescue!!

Chapter 28 Trixie and Gossy Team up!

Chapter 29 Bake Sale!

Chapter 30 Trixie Hits the Capitol!

Chapter 31 Adopted!!!!!

Chapter 32 Rehearsal Day!

Chapter 33 Not All Who Wander Are Lost!

Chapter 34 The Searchers!

Chapter 35 By the Skin of Her Teeth!

Chapter 36 Contest Day!!

Chapter 37 Contest # 2!!!

Chapter 38 Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the Music!!

Dedication

For my Walking Stix friends-Kay, Sue, Theresa, Ken and Augie, Mark R. & the late Bella. And my park friend, Mark.

For Aunt Joan Benson, my biggest fan! I’m so happy you enjoy my books! Here’s to another year ‘young!’

To Gossy’s foster Mom, Leah, who loved and cared for her for a year before she so generously gave her to me. And To Donna from Stray Rescue, who originally rescued Gossy with a net and also never stopped searching for her after she got lost.

And finally, to the sweetest, little introverted but wonderful street dog, Gossy, who truly IS and forever will be The Queen of Our Hearts!

Whenever I walk the trail at West Tyson Park, I still call Gossy’s name.

Prologue

The True Story of Gossy!

Gossy is a real dog! Yes, she was my girl! But only for a few short months. Here’s her story-what I know of it.

Gossy had been on the streets for 8 years in the city of St. Louis. Stray rescue, an amazing rescue organization in the city of St. Louis started by the awesome Randy Grim who loves dogs more than life itself, worked to try to rescue her for a long time.

She was too fast! She was scared of people and ran so fast no one could ever catch her!

Donna from Stray Rescue finally managed to catch her by using a net. They managed to catch her 24 hours before she gave birth to puppies! I would have loved to see how pretty they were!

Gossy lived with her foster Mom Leah and her family for about a year before I got her. She was painfully shy and introverted, but got used to the family’s people and their 2 Great Danes. She would come out once a day or so, greet everyone extremely briefly and go back into her safe place – her crate. She had a very roomy open wire crate she felt safe in. She also loved her daily walks.

When I met her, she was very shy as was her M. O., but she came out and laid on the rug near me. I sat next to her on the floor and petted her. She just sat there. You honestly couldn’t really tell what she was thinking, but Leah said it was unusual for her to come over to me at all.

When Leah brought her to my house to meet my dog Glenda, who was also a rescued street dog from Stray Rescue, she found a rug in the hallway and plopped down on it. She seemed to like it there!

While we were talking in the living room, she came out to me and sat next to me on the floor. Again, unusual for her, Leah said, so I felt quite privileged. The dogs would sit right next to each other. They were both brown and looked so cute together! They actually looked like sisters, although Gossy had more of a pit face! They seemed to be little soul mates; no words were spoken, but you could see and feel the connection!

For our two months together we walked a variety of trails and parks nearby. Every day! First I couldn’t get Gossy in the car. She was scared of the car and not having anything to do with it! So we walked around Florissant. One time we walked for 3 hours, and I picked up trash everywhere we went. Then I stopped at a couple of dumpsters to empty my overflowing trash bags, and Gossy would pull away-she didn’t even like the large dumpsters! (a little different than the book!)

On that fateful day, the coronavirus was just starting to shut everything down. Restaurants, schools, and movie theaters were closed and the weather was great so beside us, half of St. Louis County turned out in the parks. It was April 1st, 2020.

We had just hiked this semi-difficult trial, and somehow I ended up on the Chubb trail instead of the Flint trail I had started on. We went down a large hill of steep rocks like stair steps and ended up in a field instead of the parking lot I thought we’d be back at! We had probably done about 4 miles and I was tired of walking. Realizing we had to go back the way we came now, we started up the big steep hill of steps made of rocks.

When we got to the top of the steep hill, 3 boys were passing on bikes. They were a bit loud as boys will be, and Gossy suddenly got scared and tried to take off. She ran around a small tree. I had a hold of her leash, but I let go to grab the leash on the other side of the tree. I thought I had it-but I didn’t! My other hand was busy with Glenda and the poop bag.

Somehow I missed her leash and she ran ahead about 20 feet and stopped.

Gossy! I yelled Gossy. Glenda always stops when I yell her name.

Not Gossy! Loud noises and voices scared her and even though I thought she wouldn’t be scared of my voice. She took off like a bat out of hell.

She runs amazingly fast! Like LIGHTENING! Unbelievable! As my heart mounted with fear, I saw her little ears bobbing as she streaked forward on the trail, rounded a curve, and then out of site. I passed two people who said they tried to grab her seeing the trailing leash but she was too fast!

Months of going to the park every day, then every other day, then weekly-posters were posted for miles around by me and Donna, info posted on lost dog web sites. Donna from stray rescue even started Gossy’s own Facebook page – Finding Gospel!

The most moving time came the following Sunday when I decided to try the woods across from the park. I turned and there was her foster mom Leah going by in her van! I talked to her a few minutes! Then the next 2 cars – a woman and then a man-all looking for Gossy!

A day or two later I was walking the trail calling her name for it seemed like the hundredth time. My cell phone rang when I got to a beautiful overlook – she’d been spotted on the road in front of the park!! I ran the rest of the trail to the front of the park which was about a mile! I looked up and down the road, got in my car, and drove slowly around the area. I went down the short dead-end road that leads to a small ancient old cemetery. Another SUV was there. I rolled down my window and started to ask the lady if she’d seen a small brown dog.

It was Donna from stray rescue! Always looking for Gossy. She was the one who caught her initially with the net.

The first day she was spotted by a man who owned a nearby farm who also tried to get her but she kept running from him. He put out a bowl of food that night but it remained uneaten the next day. He let volunteers from stray rescue search his farm. Donna had volunteers with drones come out to search over the woods. There are thousands of acres of woods in Eureka, Missouri near the Meramec River.

Everyone who ever met Gossy loved her. To this day, people still post on her site they are still searching for her. Yes, she is chipped and has tags.

Will she ever be found? At this writing, so far, no. it’s been almost 3 years since she was spotted. But we have hope always, because Gossy was a street girl. She’s fast, she’s smart, and if anybody can take care of herself, Gossy can. We all know miraculous stories of survival of dogs and cats-maybe Gossy will be one!

Either way this book is about my girl, Gossy. She’s not just mine, though-she belongs to so many people who love her. And as for Gossy – well, as they say, still waters run deep.

This book is for you, Gossy! You will always be well-loved! My little street girl!

Love forever, Your Mommy and your sister, Glenda

Chapter 1

School Days, School Daze!

Trixie was only two years old. But in dog years, that’s fourteen! So she is like a teenager dog-well, that is, cat-dog. As you may recall, she is the first ever cat-dog born in the world! Her mother is the cat, Sylvia, and her Dad is the dog Zacuzzi, who was second in command of the shelter until Ferral, the wonderful dog who started the shelter in an abandoned building, passed away and named Zacuzzi as his successor. Zacuzzi was fast and good at being head of the dog and cat rescue team. Well, that is, pretty fast and pretty good. Let’s face it—no one being, animal or human, could top Ferral. Ferral died and now was a spirit and fought crime and evil in the world. Every month he would come back to the shelter and stay and visit everyone, and stay with his wife, Snowflake, and his 4 children- Vanilla Cone, Igloo, Meringue, and Icicle. So now Zacuzzi was in charge of the shelter’s rescue team, along with his two brothers, Zylophone and Zenith. They were very, very good. And Snowflake loved to help, too, when she wasn’t busy with her 4 children. They weren’t really puppies anymore. Course they were getting big, too, and needing her less and less.

Everyone was excited when it was time for Ferral’s monthly visit! He would be flying in in his spirit form, sometimes visible, sometimes invisible -and he could become any size he wanted!!! Bigger than a house, like a huge giant, or as tiny as an ant. AND he could become visible or invisible whenever he wanted. The funny thing was, if people didn’t believe in him, they could not see him at all, even when he was visible. Made fighting crime pretty fun for him! He definitely had the upper hand there, mobility- wise, visibility- wise and strength- wise. And the funny thing was—he could still bite!!! Even though he was a spirit! So that was his last-resort crime-fighting tool!

People would sometimes ask him, How can you bite people when you’re a spirit?

I confess to you, I don’t completely understand my powers-I just use them appropriately. I only bite if it’s called for and nothing else works-so sometimes, yeah, I do bite people. But only if it’s called for. And he would smile and do his famous yuck, yuck, yuck laugh.

So let’s get back to Trixie-the world’s only very unique cat-dog. She had qualities of both cats and dogs. She had very silky multicolored fur. It always looked like she had just had her fur salon-foiled with high and low lights! She was brownish with blonde and reddish streaks. Probably no other animal on earth had quite such beautifully colored, soft, silky fur as she did. Her face was beautiful! Her nose was slightly long yet thin, her ears were short and actually curled forwards a bit. Her eyes were a beautiful twinkly blue. Rather unusual for a cat-dog. And she had whiskers much like a cat’s—but it just added to her pretty little smile with shiny, white evenly-spaced teeth.

The big surprise was her voice! So melodious! She could kind of do a bark-meow-it started like a woof and ended in a meow. Very highly unusual.

But the greatest attribute Trixie had, besides her stunning beauty, was that voice! Her voice was like the most beautiful voice ever heard! If you could imagine a choir of angels singing, her voice stood out above the choir’s as a beautiful, silky-sounding, clear, yet soft, too—beautiful voice. And her pitch was perfect! So her family loved to hear her sing! They would frequently join in but everyone loved to hear her pretty voice! They figured one day-well, Trixie would probably be famous, with a voice like that!

Trixie was actually in her senior year at school. At first, when she first went to school, she had problems. You know-problems with the other cats and dogs. All the cats and dogs went to school together, so occasionally there was rivalry between the cats and dogs-dogs saying they were better at sports, cats saying they were smarter and cleaner, etc. but Trixie was so beautiful-other animals envied her. Her semester started out like this -

All the cats and dogs were walking into the first day of class. A small group of boy dogs noticed Trixie standing by herself by the door of the school.

Look at that girl over there! said Ronald.

Yeah—wow! She’s cute! Lawrence exclaimed.

Yeah but—what is she? asked Donovan.

What is she? What do you mean? Ronald asked.

Like is she a cat or a dog? She kinda looks like both! Donovan observed.

Oh, yeah, I see. Kinda has dog’s ears and nose, but fur is more like a cat and the whiskers, too-and sort of very thin legs.

Skinny long legs-more like a dog. Lawrence commented.

But the fur—DEFINITELY cat fur! pointed out Ronald.

She could be either. I don’t know- They continued to mull it over. And as pretty as she was, they all wondered if they could get to know her better.

Nearby, in another group of girl cats, the following conversation went on.

"Oh my gosh! What is that animal? Do you see that, Stephanie? Is that a cat or a dog?"

For the life of me, I can’t tell. She’s got cat whiskers and fur, ears and nose more like a dog’s—what on earth is she? The cat, Harriet, sounded horrified.

That fur! She must have spent hours in a salon! Who has the time for that? Jennifer exclaimed.

Or the money. He parents must be rich! Julia murmured.

I bet she’s not very nice. She’s too pretty to be nice. Stephanie stated in an annoyed voice.

I don’t like her. Harriet decided.

Harriet, you’ve never even met her. You don’t even know her. Jennifer was a bit shocked by her friend’s statement.

Don’t care. She’s too pretty. There’s got to be something wrong with her. I am not going to be nice to someone like that. Harriet said and then defiantly crossed her cat arms. Fortunately, at that moment, a very open-minded cat named Miriam approached the small group of friends.

What are you guys gossiping about now? Miriam asked the small group of friends, jokingly.

Gossiping? Us? Ha! We are not like that, Miriam, you know that. Anyway, we were just talking about that weird new girl over there—

The one with the pretty fur—I mean, the funny-looking fur— said Jennifer.

Well, instead of gossiping about her and making judgments, why don’t you go introduce yourselves and get to know her? You might find out you like her and she’s really nice?! Miriam suggested enthusiastically.

"Like her? I’ll never like a thing like that!" exclaimed Harriet rather nastily.

Harriet, don’t be ridiculous. You have never met the girl-it’s not nice to dislike someone merely because you don’t like her looks. And besides-she’s very pretty! Actually-she’s beautiful!! —unless-are you jealous? Miriam asked in surprise.

What?? Me, jealous??? I wouldn’t look like that if you paid me! All that long silky fur. It probably takes hours to wash it, dry it, and brush it out! Who wants to go through all that? And she’s probably not very smart either. I don’t think you can be pretty and smart at the same time! Harriet exclaimed.

Harriet, I’m surprised at you! Why, I’m both of those things! exclaimed Stephanie.

The cats in the group giggled a little. Stephanie was cute, but maybe not quite the SMARTEST cat in the school.

Hey, well, you know how to fix this? Become her friend. Miriam suggested.

What?

No!

Horrors!

No, you all are not being nice. I’m going to go over there and introduce myself and get to know her. That’s the only way to find out about a person-to get know them. Otherwise you are just—she stared directly at the group gossiping. And that is not nice ! Not nice at all! Miriam admonished them.

Miriam turned on her heel and walked determinedly towards the new beautiful girl standing by herself right outside the front door of the school

Hi. Excuse me, may I speak to you a moment? she asked the new girl in a sweet voice.

Trixie turned around and smiled.

Oh hi. Are you talking to me? she smiled gratefully at Miriam. She was feeling a little uncomfortable and lonely. It was her first day in the big school and she didn’t know too many people yet.

Oh, yes. Hi. My name is Miriam. I’m in 10th grade here, and I thought maybe you looked a bit lost. Can I help you find your class? Are you new here?

Yes. I’m so glad you stopped by. I’m new and I don’t know the layout of the school. So yes-I’d appreciate your help. Trixie smiled sweetly, and pulled a paper out of her backpack.

I’m supposed to go to Mr. Hogwash’s class for homeroom-room 2210. So you know where that is? Trixie asked, showing Miriam her class schedule.

Yes. I’ll take you there. What kinds of things do you like to do? Where are you from? Miriam walked along side of her as they went into the school and started going down the hallways.

"Well, I live at Ferral’s shelter. My Dad is head of the Shelter Rescue team now because Ferral died a few years ago-‘

Before she could finish, Miriam turned to her very excited.

Your Dad is head of the rescue team? Really??? I’ve heard so much about Ferral’s shelter! They do great work! Why, one of my best friends was rescued by him—is your Dad’s name Zacuzzi? My friend, Otto, never stopped talking about how kind your dad was—and how fast a runner! And how much he loved the shelter! He got adopted and lives next door to me now. Oh, how wonderful! I bet you have lots of rescue stories, am I right? Miriam was so excited to meet Trixie.

Trixie smiled. Her smile was so bright, and kindness just exuded from her face.

How wonderful! Yes, I know some very good rescue stories that will give you chills! They all have happy endings, too, which is what the shelter always strives for. We’ve never lost anyone-yet. She smiled proudly.

How exciting. Well, we will definitely have to got to know each other better. I’ll talk to you at lunch okay? I’ll look for you in the lunchroom. Meanwhile, here’s your class.

Oh, thank you, Miriam. I appreciate your help and being so kind to me. Trixie smiled sweetly.

Miriam smiled back.

It’s nothing. Hey, I’ll see you at lunch, okay?

They smiled at each other, and each went to their separate class.

Wow. thought Trixie. I’m lucky! I made a friend first day. She felt very happy.

And Miriam thought the very same thing!

Chapter 2

If at First You don’t succeed—

It was another day at the shelter. Only today, Zacuzzi, Trixie’s father and head of the Rescue Team, called an emergency meeting. The rescue team sat at the front of the big backroom where all the animals lived, There sat Zacuzzi, the leader, and his two brothers, Zylophone and Zenith. Snowflake, a big white fluffy girl, also Ferral’s widow, who loved to help with rescues, was there, too. All the other animals sat in the audience with rapt attention. What could the emergency be?? they wondered.

Maybe it’s a hurricane! Bobby said fearfully.

Uh, Bobby-we don’t have hurricanes here. You have to be by an ocean.

"Yeah, but we can have tomatoes, though, can’t we?’ Bobby asked, shuddered in fear.

Uh, that’s tornadoes, not tomatoes, but we can have them, yes. A cat named Sealilly laughed a bit.

Well, let’s see what the emergency is before we get all stressed out about it. Encouraged another dog who’d been around for awhile named Norman.

Okay, well I’ve called this meeting because we have been trying to rescue a dog now for –what about three months now? Zacuzzi turned to his brothers on the rescue team.

Yes I’d say so. It seems about that long. his brother Zylophone agreed.

Yes. And here is the problem The dog we’ve been trying to rescue is very scared of everyone. I think it’s a girl dog-brown, lab mix with a bit of a pitbull face. She’s gotten thinner and thinner, and now her ribs are showing through her fur. I’m afraid if we don’t rescue her soon— his voice trailed off. Everyone new what he meant.

Yes. It’s become dangerous for her to continue to live on the streets. She’s obviously on the verge of starvation. She also has a few facial scars and a few bites out of her ears-probably from previous fights. Zucchini observed.

We’ve tried everything. Talking to her does no good. She won’t get close enough for you to even explain anything about the shelter. Zylophone added sadly.

Have you tried bribery? asked Little Peter from the audience.

Yes, actually we have. We’ve left a treat, a biscuit, and yesterday, I took part of my lunch, a nice piece of lean turkey, and left it on a paper plate when we saw her. Then we backed off. We hid behind some trees hoping she’d come out and get the turkey. But she saw we were there and just ran away. We left the turkey and came back later and it was gone. But we don’t know if she is the one who ate it or some other stray dog or cat.

We’ve tried numerous times to catch her!! So far-nothing has worked. She has zero trust, obviously-I guess from her years on the street. Zylophone mused.

So we are here to discuss whatever drastic measures we could take next. We don’t want to lose her—and I don’t think we have much time left. Zacuzzi was very serious.

Snowflake, what are your thoughts? Zylophone asked.

Snowflake was revered for two reasons-#1 She was Ferral’s widow; Ferral, who was the founder of the shelter and the world’s greatest dog ever!!! He was now a spirit dog! Snowflake had been on several rescue missions with Ferral and she lOVED rescues! She also had a direct line to Ferral. Even though he was a spirit now and off fighting crime somewhere in the world three out of four weeks a month, she could pretty much talk to him whenever she wanted. She would just call his name, and poof! He would appear in a wisp of smoke. If he was on the other side of the world, though, it would take a bit longer. As he said, even spirits have have to have travel time!

Well, guys, I think if bribery hasn’t worked, I can only think of this—try it again. Can you plant some food near where she is and make absolutely sure she doesn’t see you? asked Snowflake.

It’s very hard. the dog is so smart, she hears us or smells us wherever we go. Zacuzzi said.

And she won’t listen. If you start to talk to her, no matter how nice and sweet you sound, she bolts the other direction. Zenith reiterated.

Yes, and we’ve chased her and, well, I hate to admit it, but she’s too fast-even for me. Zacuzzi admitted.

She runs like lightening! exclaimed Zenith. That dog is amazing! I believe she could win Dog Olympics-without any trouble at all!

The crowd gasped. Seriously??? Too fast for Zacuzzi?? The only one ever faster than Zacuzzi was Ferral. And Ferral was dead. Or-- correction-Ferral was a spirit now. Still, as a dog OR a spirit—no one—and I mean NO ONE could outrun Ferral!!! Neither man nor beast!

Do you think Ferral maybe would have some ideas? Zacuzzi asked Snowflake.

Snowflake smiled.

Maybe! Why don’t we ask him? she smiled widely.

Just then, just like in a movie—POOF!!! Ferral appeared as his old self right there standing in the middle of the rescue team. A wisp of smoke filtered into the air.

Ferral! everyone shouted, and the crowd of dogs and cats rushed up to see him! They were always so excited to see their biggest and best hero! Ferral was the smartest, the kindest, the most loving, caring, and bravest dog that had ever lived! And he had integrity. He was almost perfect. Well, too perfect for this world, anyway. He had been a spirit dog now for several years.

Ferral laughed his yuck, yuck yuck laugh as he greeted each and every cat and dog with a special hello, how are you doing, and words of care and concern. After a few minutes, he gave his wife Snowflake a big hug, and sat down in between the rescue team and Snowflake.

I heard your question and I agree with you, this dog has to be caught. She is very undernourished and is about to starve to death. It’s amazing she can still run as fast as she can with not enough nutrition to give her energy. An amazing dog!! She’s must be very determined. And she’s very self-sufficient, but she’s unable to find enough food to eat. So here’s my idea.

Ferral continued talking to his rapt audience.

You’re going to have to set a trap for her. I dont like traps, but in this case, it’s for her own good-and to save her life. Figure out where she is, and leave some food. You will have to hide—if she sees you she’ll run away. Then somebody positioned near the food will have to throw a net over her to prevent her running away.

Who’s going to do that? They’d have to hide-and she always smells us or hears us or sees us. This dog is truly amazing! She’s like a Houdini! Zacuzzi laughed as he described her--not because it’s funny, but because the dog was just stronger and smarter and faster than the rescue team.

They didn’t even mind admitting that!

Ferral sighed.

Okay. I guess I’ll have to help you. I’ll have to use my invisibility power and hide in a tree and throw the net over her. Then you guys can take over from there. And be very gentle. She’s scared of everyone.

Do you think this will work, Ferral? asked Barley, a small dog in the audience.

Ferral smiled.

It’s going to have to. And remember, since I’m a spirit now, I don’t smell—anymore, that is. Ferral did his yuck, yuck, yuck laugh, and everyone joined in giggling. Just ask my wife! and he and Snowflake laughed.

Then Ferral turned serious again. He looked right at the team.

It’s going to take her awhile to get used to being here, so you all all are going to have to give her a lot of space and a lot of time until she trusts you. She has a total lack of trust of anyone right now—dogs and/or humans.

Okay—so when do you want to do this, Ferral? Zacuzzi asked.

How about today? My schedule’s rather booked the rest of the week. I have a lot of crime to combat in several different cities this week. So today is best for me. We don’t have any time to lose.

Like what time? asked Zylophone, Zacuzzi’s brother.

How about now? Ferral smiled his big grin.

Snowflake looked at him lovingly and with great admiration. Ferral was just the best!!! She loved and admired him so! He was not going to let this poor little girl dog suffer on the streets any longer than she already had!

Can I help with the rescue? asked Snowflake, her crystal blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

Of course, dear. You gather some food together for the dog on a plate. Zacuzzi, Zylophone, Zenith, and I will go out and try to find this dog. Is it a girl, do you guys think?

Can’t tell. As fast she it runs, I’d think it’s a boy. Zenith suggested.

Well, anyway, it doesn’t matter. Say in fifteen minutes, we leave. Drink some water and get prepared. See you in fifteen minutes.

With that Ferral disappeared in a little draft of warm air. He was gone. Temporarily.

Oh, my! exclaimed some of the animals who had never witnessed this quick exit before.

"Well, get ready guys. He’ll be back in fifteen minutes. Operation Lightening Dog Rescue will be on!" Zacuzzi announced.

The group of animals who had just witnessed the meeting cheered.

We love our rescue team! Some of them called.

Zacuzzi smiled, and the rescue team all bowed to the dogs and cats. Everyone loved them as most of them had been rescued by this very team!!

It was time for Operation Lightning dog!!

Chapter 3

Do Unto Others—

Trixie was doing very well in her classes. She was not only beautiful, but very smart, too! Probably the smartest dog or cat in the whole grade!!!

Her main problem was—well, some of the animals were not very nice to her! Some of the girls seemed—well, jealous, quite frankly, of her beauty! And if no one knew the answer in class, Trixie would raise her paw and Always have the right answer!

So one day, right after class, a couple of the girls came up to her in the hallway.

Hey. Your name is Trixie, right? said a girl cat named Mellow, and a girl dog named Phoebe.

Trixie smiled at them.

Yes, that’s right. What are your names? Trixie smiled sweetly.

I don’t want to tell you my name. Are you a dog or a cat, anyway? said Mellow, sounding not too nice.

Yeah, that nose of yours looks like a dog and some of you looks like a cat! What’s up with that? the other girl laughed.

Trixie smiled. She was actually sort of used to other animals not knowing what she was.

Well, actually, I’m a cat-dog. The world’s first known one, anyway. I’m 50 % of a dog and 50% of a cat. My Mom is a cat and my Dad is a dog! So that’s why I have characteristics of both species. she explained sweetly.

What??!! Your Mom’s a cat and your Dad’s a dog? the one girl practically shouted.

Now some other animals in the hall heard and gathered around listening.

That’s too weird!!! That’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard in my life! Phoebe exclaimed and she looked upset and rather disgusted. She actually sneered at Trixie.

Trixie continued to smile.

I know—it does seem strange! But my parents are wonderful, and in the future, I think there will be more mixed species animals. It’s the wave of the future, I think. And –it doesn’t really matter, does it? I still eat, sleep, study, walk, just like the rest of you do. We are really all more alike than different—don’t you think? Trixie smiled again.

"No, I don’t think! I don’t want to be associated with a-with a—cat-dog! That’s just too strange! I’m sticking with my other cat friends!" exclaimed Mellow, and she looked down her nose and through her whiskers at Trixie.

Yeah-I’m staying with the doggie girls. You are just too strange for me! and both the girls turned and walked away.

In the meantime, the crowd that had gathered watched Trixie to see what she would do.

Look at her-she’s not even crying! one of the boy dogs whispered.

I know why they don’t like her—she’s prettier and smarter than either one of those girls! His name was Richard. Richard walked tenuously up to Trixie.

I’m sorry they talked to you like that. That was mean, and you don’t deserve that. Hi, my name is Richard. Nice to meet you. And he s stuck out his paw.

He smiled at Trixie.

Trixie smiled back a beautiful smile. When she smiled, her whole face lit up in radiant beauty!

Oh Hi, I’m Trixie. Thank you, that’s okay; though. I’m sort of used to it. I don’t let people’s negativity affect me too much. I have such a wonderful family and friends at the shelter-

The shelter? You live at the shelter? That wouldn’t be Ferral’s shelter, by any chance, would it? Richard got very excited and was smiling broadly.

"Why, yes -it IS Ferral’s. MY Mom and Dad originally had been rescued by Ferral himself!" she explained.

Oh, my gosh! You are not going to believe this! My parents were both rescued by Ferral and met at the shelter!! Richard was thrilled that Trixie knew the place! AND she actually lived there! He had always heard about what great place it was!

Really, ?? who are you Mom and Dad?

My Mom’s name is Maude and my Dad’s name is Shiloh! he spoke eagerly.

Trixie looked stunned. Totally stunned. Her mouth was open just a bit in surprise.

Are you kidding me?? Shiloh and Maude?? Aside from KoKo, they were the first rescues when Ferral started the place up! And they ended up married?? Oh, my gosh! How surprising! And you’re their son? Wow! This is so exciting to meet you! Trixie extended her right paw and shook Richard’s.

Richard, just as surprised, shook her paw back, and laughed.

You know my Mom and Dad? he asked, just as surprised as Trixie was.

Trixie laughed a bit in happy surprise.

No, not really, because I was born after they got adopted. But I’ve heard stories about all the animals that got rescued. And being your parents were some of the first animals rescued-well, yes. I’ve heard about them. Not long after your parents were rescued, they actually set up the abandoned building and made it into a shelter! Then, the kids, the Jones, and The Brown’s got the building officially set up and leased. With Ferral directing, of course. Before that, they were operating on the sly, so to speak. Yes, I’ve heard about all the animals. It’s like a legacy, you know.

And to be rescued by Ferral himself! That is the ultimate of the Ultimate, or so I’ve heard tell. Richard smiled.

Wow. We’ve got a lot to talk about! Can I walk you to your homeroom? Richard asked.

Sure! Yeah, we better get going. Bell’s about to ring. What grade are you in?

Senior this year. You?

Me, too! I was at another school, but my parents wanted me to go here. Better school, they said. You’ll learn more. Better preparation for college.

You going to college? What one? What are you going to major in?

Trixie glanced at the clock on the wall.

Hey, bell’s about to ring. You want to talk after school?

Richard smiled. He was thrilled to have met a beautiful girl who had heard of his parents! And who still lived at the fabled shelter! This is too awesome! And she was so beautiful—and sweet and smart, too! This is my lucky day, he thought happily.

Sure. Meet you out in front, right after school. Okay?

Okay. See ya then! Trixie flashed him a smile, Richard smiled back, their eyes locked for two seconds---then BRRRRIIIINNNNNGGG!!!

That darn bell!!

Chapter 4

Operation Lightening Dog!

In fifteen minutes, everyone had gotten a drink of water, ate a few biscuits for energy, and was ready for the big rescue event. The dog, who they heard was named Gossy, was apparently about the world’s fastest runner! The rescue team was composed of Zacuzzi and his two brothers, Zylophone and Zenith, and Snowflake, Ferral’s wife --along with the master rescuer himself, the spirit of Ferral—who was due back any minute.

The team stood around talking as the other dogs and cats at the shelter were eating their lunch and talking amongst themselves about the big rescue