Kellen grinned at his reflection in the toaster, his cheeks rosy with anticipation. Bodie spun in joyful circles, his feathery tail dusting crumbs from the tiles. "Ready for my first day, Mom! Can Bodie come too?" As Mom nodded, Bodie barked with excitement, nearly knocking over a milk carton.
Kellen clutched Bodie’s leash as they approached. Nearby, Liam, Romeo, Marroo, and Tyr waved, their faces bright with curiosity. "Wow, is that your dog, Kellen?" Bodie sniffed each friend in turn, his nose twitching and tail wagging so hard it tangled in Kellen's backpack straps.
Mrs. Mills, a gentle woman with glasses perched on her nose, bent down to greet Kellen and Bodie. "Welcome, Kellen! Oh, and who is this handsome fellow?" Before anyone could answer, Bodie spotted a pile of stuffed animals and launched himself into them, sending a plush giraffe flying and giggles erupting across the room.
Bodie[/@ch_2] weaves between tiny legs. Sunlight flickers over overturned chairs and scattered construction paper.]
Marroo tried to share his snack, but Bodie gobbled the crackers and licked Marroo's fingers. "Bodie, no! That was my last cheese stick!" Suddenly, Bodie noticed a paint tray and, in a flurry of paws, streaked blue paw prints across the floor and up the legs of a startled Tyr. The whole class erupted in laughter, with Kellen clutching his belly.
Bodie[/@ch_2] darts, ears flapping, after a stray soccer ball.]
Liam and Kellen chased Bodie across the grass, calling his name between fits of laughter. Bodie skidded through a puddle, sending muddy water splattering all over Mrs. Mills's shoes. "Oh, Bodie! You're quite the helper, aren't you?" she said, shaking her head but smiling.
Kellen[/@ch_1] and Bodie walk hand-in-paw down the leafy sidewalk. Their green ranch-style house glows under the golden sky, a welcome sight after a whirlwind day.]
Kellen flopped onto the porch, giggling as Bodie shook out his long, spotted fur, sending a cloud of glitter and grass everywhere. "Best first day ever, Bodie. Maybe next time, you can be the teacher!" Bodie barked, as if to say he agreed, and together they headed inside, ready for more adventures tomorrow.
