It was the first day of summer vacation and 10-year-old Danny was thrilled to finally be free from school for the next two months. No more teachers, no more books, no more early morning alarms! Danny slept in late that first morning, enjoying the chance to be lazy. When he finally rolled out of bed around 10am, he headed downstairs to get some breakfast. His mom was just coming in through the back door carrying a wiggly brown puppy in her arms.

"Surprise!" she said, holding the puppy out to Danny. "His name is Teddy and he's ours to keep!"


Danny's jaw dropped open in shock. A puppy! A cute little brown and white furball of a puppy was squirming around and trying to lick his face. Danny couldn't believe it. He had wanted a puppy for as long as he could remember but his parents had always said their apartment was too small for a dog.

"Your father and I talked about it and we decided you were finally old enough and responsible enough to care for a puppy," his mom explained happily. "We know how much you've always wanted one."


Danny couldn't contain his excitement. He spent the whole day playing with little Teddy, teaching him commands, taking him out for walks around the neighborhood, and showing him off to all his friends. Danny loved watching the puppy explore everything, his little nose leading the way.


That first night, Teddy whimpered a little while trying to fall asleep in his crate by Danny's bed. Danny slipped a hand through the wires of the crate to comfort the puppy. He was determined to become Teddy's best friend.


Over the next few weeks of summer vacation, Danny and Teddy were inseparable. Danny taught Teddy how to play fetch, walk nicely on a leash, and follow basic commands like sit and stay. Danny felt like a proud parent as he watched his puppy learn new things.


When the first day of 5th grade finally arrived, Danny was sad to leave Teddy for the day. As he walked to school, he kept thinking about how the puppy was doing home alone. Danny smiled as he pictured Teddyjoyfully greeting him when he got home. He loved that little furball like crazy and the feel of his wet tongue giving kisses. Sixth months ago, Danny never could have imagined how one cute little puppy could bring so much happiness into his life.