Cool Shoes
The Jack Russell Terrier: A Story of Kindness, Friendship, and Respect
by
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I stepped back and watched the eating vacuum suck up the treat that I had set before him. When he finished, I saw the rug was still there, and I gave thanks. I said, “Let’s go upstairs and I’ll tell you about the game.” When I returned downstairs, Dad was still here. “Son, great game, wasn’t it?” he asked. “You can say that again.” Then he said something that was wonderful for my ears to hear. “I’m staying the night.” “Great!” I said. “That way I can cook breakfast for you both.” “Now, when did you learn to cook?” he asked. “Oh, Dad, you know I can cook,” I responded. “Do I? I know you make a good cup of coffee,” he said. “Prove me wrong, son.” I went back upstairs to tell Cool Shoes the good news. I was putting this special date on my calendar. The game, my friends, and now my family together. It could not get any better than this! I talked to Cool Shoes for an hour. “Well, guy, it is getting late, and I have to get up early to prepare breakfast for everybody. So let’s call it a night, okay?” I put my pajamas on and hung up my clothes. I turned the lights out and then I got on my knees for prayer. “God, it’s me. Today you have wiped away one of my fears. Tonight I will not shed any more tears. My dad is here and my mom seems happy. We both need a man in the house. I am trying to be one, but I am still in training, and my dad is a good trainer. I hope you keep him here because I can keep away that fear of not having my dad around. I want to thank you for giving me good parents, friends, and a dog that is looking me in my face while I am talking to you. I think he wants me to thank you for him. Thank you from both of us. Amen.” As I got off my knees, there went that tail again. He started licking me and would not stop. He licked me to the point where I had to fight him off. I then had to run into the bathroom and get a towel to wipe my face. While in the bathroom, I looked in the mirror and saw how wet my face was, and I began to laugh. I returned to the bedroom, lay on my bed, and started kissing Cool Shoes. Then I said to him, “Now how do you like that?” The more I kissed him, the more he licked me back. I could never keep up with him, so I finally stopped. I tried to hide my head from him by putting it under the bed covers. Somehow, he found a way under the covers, and the playing and licking started again. “Okay,” I said, “Stop it! I have to get up early!” He finally stopped. “Now, let’s get some sleep.”
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About the Book
Twelve-year old Martin has only just moved to a new town when he encounters some mean kids tormenting a small Jack Russell terrier puppy, lost and alone. Martin saves him, brings him home, and eventually gives him a name—Cool Shoes. Now the puppy has a home and a friend, and Martin knows he’ll never be lonely again. Martin’s mom and the squirrels take a liking to Cool Shoes, but the puppy needs to play with other dogs, too. One day at the dog park, Martin makes the acquaintance of Zaria, who also owns a Jack Russell. Now both Martin and Cool Shoes have new friends, and together, they can stand up to any foe! The friends need to be strong together, because there are bullies everywhere. Martin and Cool Shoes learn that some people just don’t want to get along, but they also learn that all people can get along, if only they try. This is the story of a boy and his rescue dog, but it’s also about friendship, family, and the bravery it takes to do the right thing.
About the Author
Marcel Thomas lives in San Francisco with his partner and coauthor, Telicia Lewis, who was born in rural Westminster, Maryland. Marcel has six adult children and seven grandchildren. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Marcel has always loved dogs. As a child, he was called the “Dog Pied Piper” because dogs always followed him home.