Boomer's Big Surprise by Constance W. McGeorge

Boomer’s Big Surprise

    B oomer had just come inside from playing in the backyard when he discovered strange things in the kitchen.

Newspapers were scattered all over the floor. A shiny new bowl was next to Boomer’s dinner bowl. And beside his bed was a large box.

    Just then, Boomer’s family came into the kitchen. Everyone was smiling and talking all at once. A small bundle was placed gently on the floor.
    Boomer wagged his tail, but no one seemed to notice. Boomer barked and barked, but no one seemed to hear. All eyes were on the bundle.
    Boomer pushed forward for a peek.

    The bundle wiggled. Boomer’s eyes widened, and he moved closer. The bundle wiggled some more. Boomer’s ears perked up, and he sniffed and sniffed.
    And then, to his surprise, a little black nose and a pink tongue appeared. It was a baby Boomer!

    Baby jumped up and scampered about the kitchen. Soon, he found the shiny new bowl. It was filled with food. Baby ate and ate.
    Boomer was confused. There was no food in his bowl, and it wasn’t even time for dinner yet.

    After Baby finished eating, everyone went to the living room and sat on the sofa – even Baby. Baby’s back was scratched. Baby’s belly was rubbed. Baby was patted again and again.
    Boomer sat next to the sofa. He was not allowed to sit on it. He nudged an elbow. He pawed at a knee. Boomer wanted someone to pat him, too. But no one did.

    In the living room, there were new toys everywhere – bright blue balls, shiny squeaky toys, and lots of bones to chew. But the only toy Baby wanted to play with was Boomer’s favorite – his old green tennis ball.

    Baby made himself right at home.

    Later, everyone went outside to play. Boomer was very excited. He loved to play fetch. He waited and waited for someone to throw him the ball. But no one did.
    Finally, Boomer lay down at the far end of the yard. He wondered if anyone would ever play with him.

    Before long, Boomer felt a lick on his nose. He opened his eyes. There was his old green tennis ball. And there was Baby, wagging his tail.
    Boomer started across the yard, and Baby bounded after him. At last, Boomer had someone to play with! Boomer showed Baby how to play…

    in the water…

    in the dirt…

    and all through the house!

    When they were done playing, Boomer and Baby ate their dinners side by side. Soon it was time for bed. Everyone patted Boomer and Baby goodnight. Happy to have Baby next to him, Boomer closed his eyes and went to sleep.

Copyright
    Text ©1999 by Constance W. McGeorge.
    Illustrations ©1999 by Mary Whyte.
    All rights reserved.
    Book design by Vandy Ritter.
    The illustrations in this book were rendered in watercolor.
    McGeorge, Constance W.
    Boomer’s big surprise / by Constance W. McGeorge; illustrated by Mary Whyte.
    Summary: Boomer is distressed by the special treatment given to the new puppy
    in his household and feels that he is no longer top dog, but then he finds that the recent arrival can be a friend and playmate.
    ISBN 978-0-8118-1977-9
    [1. Dogs—Fiction. 2. Dogs—Infancy—Fiction. 3. Animals—Infancy—Fiction. 4. Babies—Fiction.]
    I. Whyte, Mary, ill. II. Title.
    PZ7.M478467Br 1999
    [E]—dc21 98-8434
    CIP AC
    Chronicle Books
    85 Second Street
    San Francisco,
California 94105
    www.chroniclebooks.com