by Claire Garth
Published by Piccolo Nero,
an imprint of Schwartz Publishing Pty Ltd
Level 1, 221 Drummond Street
Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
[email protected]
www.nerobooks.com
Copyright © Claire Garth 2017
Claire Garth asserts her right to be known as the author of this work.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior consent of the publishers.
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry:
Garth, Claire, author.
Grover and Squeak’s farm adventure / Claire Garth;
illustrated by Johannes Leak.
9781863959469 (paperback)
9781925435849 (ebook)
Garth, Claire. Grover McBane, rescue dog.
For primary school age.
Rescue dogs – Juvenile fiction.
Dogs – Juvenile fiction.
Farm life – Juvenile fiction.
Leak, Johannes, illustrator.
Cover and text design by Peter Long
Typesetting by Tristan Main
Illustrations by Johannes Leak
This book is dedicated to each and every rescue dog, and to the humans who help them find their happiness.
And to Ivy McGinnes, my greatest adventure to date.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Meet Grover McBane and his Friends…
About the Author
About the Illustrator
Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
Did You Know Grover McBane is a Real Dog?
Read More of Grover’s Adventures:
CHAPTER 1
As Grover McBane jumped into the car, he could barely contain his excitement. In the boot there were suitcases, a huge container of dog biscuits, a ball, his bed, three of his favourite toys and a bag of treats. He was going on a ROAD TRIP!
Grover’s humans, Annie and David, often went away on the weekends. Much to his delight, Grover was usually allowed to go with them. It was the best way to relax after working hard at the animal shelter with Annie. Grover had been to the beach, and high up into the mountains. There were always lots of new smells and new things to see.
Grover had always lived in the city, even when he was with the horrible Man with Big Boots. Now that he was with Annie and David at Cavendish Lane, he NEVER wanted to live anywhere else. He loved being a city dog and being around so many people and cars and cafés and parks. But he also loved running in open fields, sniffing the country air, and rolling around in the long grass. Plus, there were so many other animals to sniff! Grover had met rabbits, ducks, pigs, cows and many, many birds. The cows scared him a little bit. They were so big! But on the whole, he loved a good adventure away from the city – as long as he could sleep on a comfy bed inside at night, of course.
Grover pressed his wet nose against the car window. He couldn’t wait for Annie and David to finally finish packing and get in the car.
C’mon, you guys, how much stuff do we really need? Grover wondered. What’s taking so long? All the essentials were already in the boot – ball, treats, toys. What else was there?
‘I assume you’re leaving Cavendish Lane for good, Dog?’ came a familiar voice from outside the car.
It was the mean cat from next door, Mr Tibbles. Grover was certain by now that Mr Tibbles was always looking for ways to annoy him!
‘No, I’m not, but you’ll be pleased to hear that we’re going on a holiday, Mr Tibbles. Though you won’t be so pleased to hear that we’ll be back right after the weekend,’ Grover replied, grinning cheekily.
‘Oh, what a bother,’ Mr Tibbles jeered. ‘It would be so much better if you went on holiday FOREVER. Yes, much better indeed.’ He stroked his whiskers. ‘So, where are you off to this time, Dog? The beach again? I can’t wait for you to come back covered in sand and seaweed,’ Mr Tibbles scoffed. ‘I’ll be able to smell you from my house.’
‘Actually, we’re going to a farm in the countryside,’ Grover replied with glee.
It was Grover’s very first time visiting a farm. He was so excited he could BURST! One of the dogs at the animal shelter had told him that farm life was wonderful, filled with wide open spaces and other animals to make friends with. Grover loved making new friends.
‘A farm?’ asked Mr Tibbles, leaning in closer to the car. ‘I hope for your sake that it’s not a real farm.’ He gave a nasty laugh.
Not a ‘real farm’? What does that mean? Grover wondered.
‘You do know there will be other dogs on a real farm, don’t you?’ Mr Tibbles asked with a smirk.
‘So? I love other dogs!’ Grover was utterly confused.
‘I mean, working dogs,’ Mr Tibbles continued.
Grover had been asked before if he was a working dog. Because he had a job as the Office Dog at the animal shelter, he always said yes. But something about the way Mr Tibbles said ‘working dogs’ made him think that perhaps these dogs might be different.
‘Tell me, Dog, have you ever met a working dog? They’re big and muscly and mean. And they hate dogs from the city. Yes, they REALLY hate them.’ Mr Tibbles seemed to be enjoying teasing Grover way too much. ‘But I’m sure you’ll be fine, Dog. I’m sure you’ll fit right in,’ he said, before bursting into laughter.
‘You are such a rude cat!’ Grover barked, as Mr Tibbles rolled around on the ground, laughing.
‘Oh, Grover, stop barking at that poor cat!’ Annie called out, as she and David walked towards the car. She got into the passenger seat while David put another suitcase in the boot. He then shut the lid and jumped into the driver’s seat. They were off!
As they drove away, Grover saw Mr Tibbles still rolling around.
I bet he’s making it all up, Grover thought. I’m sure that farm dogs are just like regular dogs. Yes, just like regular dogs.
Grover did his best to convince himself that it would all be okay, but he couldn’t stop feeling a little bit funny in his tummy.
CHAPTER 2
After they’d been driving for a few minutes, Grover realised that they were following the exact same route Annie took to work each day.
Hmm, Grover thought, that’s a little strange.
After a few more minutes, the car went around a corner and things got even stranger.
‘Um, you guys, this is the shelter!’ Grover exclaimed.
Without responding, Annie jumped out of the car and ran inside.
‘So, Grover, are you ready for an adventure in the countryside?’ David asked, ruffling the fur on Grover’s head. ‘There’ll be loads of room for you to run around, and there will be a few other dogs for you to play with too. Doesn’t that sound fun?’
Oh boy, does it ever! Grover thought, pushing any thought of mean working dogs out of his mind. He decided that Mr Tibbles was just teasing him. Now, if only Annie would hurry up and come back to the car, they could be on their way!
After what felt like ages, Annie reappeared at the car door. David got out to help her as she struggled with something squirming in her arms.
What on earth is that? Grover wondered, moving right up to the window for a better look.
As he stuck his head out and leant forward for a clearer view, he felt a great big LICK on the side of his face!
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‘What was that?’ Grover barked, pulling his head back inside the car.
As he wiped his cheek with his paw, a small brown-and-black head appeared at the window. It had enormous pointy ears and a long pink tongue.
Grover suddenly realised what it was. It was a kelpie. In fact, it was a kelpie puppy – the most energetic kind of puppy.
‘We’re going on a HOLIDAY!’ the puppy yelped, still desperately trying to wriggle out of Annie’s arms.
‘What do you mean “we”?’ asked Grover.
‘I mean you and me, and me and you. Me and you and her and him,’ said the kelpie, looking at Annie and David as he continued to wriggle closer and closer towards the open car window. ‘You’re my new family. I’ve been adopted!’
What is this puppy talking about? Grover wondered. Would Annie and David really adopt another dog and not tell me?
‘Goodness me, you’re a wriggler!’ Annie laughed as she tried to hold the kelpie while passing David a bag with puppy food, a bowl and a bed.
The back door of the car opened. ‘Move over a bit, Grover, and make some room for little Squeak here,’ said Annie, as she placed the kelpie on the back seat and put on his seatbelt.
‘Squeak?’ asked Grover. ‘Is that your name?’
‘Sure is!’ said Squeak. ‘So, where are we going, big brother?’
Grover didn’t reply. He felt a little bit odd. Maybe Annie and David have always wanted to adopt a young dog, Grover thought. His mind was racing.
‘Sorry you have to share the back seat, Grover,’ said David, giving Grover a reassuring scratch under the chin. ‘But let’s face it, Squeak doesn’t really take up much room!’ David laughed.
Sure, Grover thought. He doesn’t take up much room now. But he’ll grow and grow and grow, and then there will be no space left for me at all.
‘Grover, are you okay?’ Annie asked, looking concerned.
Grover didn’t know what to say. First Mr Tibbles had told him about mean working dogs, and now he had a new sibling that he hadn’t been expecting. Grover was feeling a little shocked and upset.
Grover was very grateful for the life he had with Annie and David. It was filled with more love and happiness than he could have ever imagined. It was such a huge change from his sad life with the Man with Big Boots. Grover didn’t want anything to change. Things were perfect. Just perfect.
Grover knew that Squeak deserved a wonderful new family, but Grover didn’t want to share Annie and David with another dog, even one as cute as Squeak. Grover couldn’t help feeling that maybe Annie and David didn’t love him as much as they used to. Maybe they adopted Squeak because Grover was getting older and he wasn’t fun anymore.
Grover slumped against the back seat and stared at the floor.
‘David, I think something is wrong with Grover,’ said Annie. ‘He doesn’t look right.’
David got out of the car and carried Grover to the footpath. He placed one hand under Grover’s chin, and ran his other hand along his back. ‘Are you alright, buddy?’ he asked, watching Grover carefully.
Grover felt better straightaway. Maybe it will be okay, Grover thought. Maybe David and Annie have enough love for two dogs.
‘You’re not jealous that Squeak will be living on a farm, are you?’ asked David. He chuckled a little. ‘Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty more trips to the countryside.’
Wait, Grover thought. Squeak is going to live on a farm and not with us? We’re not getting another dog? I had it wrong this whole time!
Grover grinned and started wagging his tail.
‘There’s my boy!’ said David, scratching Grover behind the ears. Grover leant forward and planted a huge sloppy kiss on David’s cheek.
‘Well, I think he’s fine, Annie,’ said David, bringing Grover back to the car.
I really would have been okay with another dog living with us, Grover thought. I can share. It would have been fine.
He tried to persuade himself that he could’ve shared Annie and David with Squeak, but Grover knew deep down that what he had felt was jealousy.
Luckily, Squeak had a new family of his own, and Grover had Annie and David. And soon they would all be having fun in the countryside! But then Grover realised he’d have to tell Squeak that he wasn’t going to be living at Cavendish Lane. How would he take the news?
CHAPTER 3
As the car pulled away from the shelter, Squeak began to twist and turn with excitement.
‘YAHOO! Here we go! Off to my new home with my new family!’ he said.
‘Um, about that, Squeak … I’m afraid I have some good news and some bad news,’ said Grover. He really hoped Squeak wouldn’t be too upset.
‘There’s no room for bad news today, Grover!’ Squeak replied, unfazed. ‘No way. Today is my new family day, and it’s a happy day! Yes, sir!’ Squeak was talking quickly, with his eyes closed and a huge grin on his face.
‘Well, yes, today is your new family day,’ Grover started, ‘but it’s not with this family.’
Squeak stopped wriggling and his grin disappeared. ‘You mean I’m not adopted? I don’t get to live with you guys now?’
‘Well, no, you won’t be living with us. But don’t worry – you do have a new family. They live on a farm and we’re taking you there right now!’ said Grover. ‘And I’m sure your new family will be wonderful.’
‘Hmm … Okay, then!’ said Squeak, as he started bouncing on the seat.
Ha! Grover thought, rolling his eyes. Good to know Squeak isn’t heartbroken about not living with us!
As they reached the highway, Squeak suddenly stopped bouncing.
‘So, what are they like?’ he asked Grover, staring straight into his eyes.
‘Who?’ replied Grover.
‘My new family! Do you know them? Are they awesome? What are their names? I need details!’ said Squeak, pushing his snout up against Grover’s while glaring at him.
This pup is five kinds of crazy, Grover thought.
‘Um, I don’t know them,’ said Grover. ‘But if Annie helped to choose them then I am sure they will be perfect.’
‘Oh, goody!’ Squeak chirped. His steely look was gone and had been replaced with a big grin.
My word, Grover thought. This kid is intense!
‘Okay, Grover, I think I’ll have a nap now. I want to have lots of energy to meet my new family. Wake me up when we get there, alright?’ said Squeak, curling up. Within seconds, he was fast asleep.
Puppies, Grover thought. Crazy one minute and then sleeping the next.
Still, the chance to nap should never be wasted, so Grover curled up beside Squeak for a little shut-eye.
As Grover slowly opened his eyes, he could feel a sharp pain in his tail. It was a weird, tugging sort of pain. Grover lifted his head, and quickly discovered what was causing his discomfort.
Squeak’s teeth.
‘OWW!’ howled Grover, jumping up and pulling his tail under him.
‘Oh good, you’re awake!’ exclaimed Squeak. ‘Are we there yet?’
‘Hang on a minute. Were you just biting my tail to wake me up?’ asked Grover. He stared at Squeak, who still had some of Grover’s fur caught between his teeth.
‘Yup!’ Squeak replied. He didn’t seem a tiny bit guilty.
‘Well, that’s awful!’ Grover cried. ‘What a nasty way to wake someone up! Couldn’t you have just called out to me, or nudged me, or tapped my shoulder?’
‘Hmm, I guess so,’ Squeak replied, looking up as he thought about it. ‘But this way worked really well, don’t you think?’
‘NO, I DON’T!’ Grover barked. ‘You can’t just go around hurting people, Squeak. Being kind is one of the most important things you can be. Always remember that, okay? And you should apologise when you know you’ve hurt somebody,’ Grover continued. ‘Even if you didn’t mean to hurt or upset them.’
‘Okay. I’m sorry, Grover,’ Squeak replied softly.
Oh man, Grover thought, training puppies sure
does take A LOT of patience.
‘That’s okay, Squeak. Just don’t do it again,’ said Grover, with a reassuring smile.
‘So, do you think my new family are nice? Do you think I’ll have two humans, just like you, Grover?’ Squeak asked, as he started jumping again.
‘Well, well, look who’s awake,’ said Annie. ‘You boys have been asleep for ages. We’re almost there!’
‘YIPEEE!’ yelped Squeak. He looked like he was going to explode with excitement!
‘Are you ready to meet your lovely new humans, Squeak?’ Annie asked. ‘And your fur siblings?’ She scratched behind Squeak’s big pointy ears.
‘Fur siblings?’ said Squeak. ‘Grover, what are fur siblings?’
Hmm, I guess Squeak’s new family must already have a dog or two, Grover thought. He tried not to think about what Mr Tibbles had said about farm dogs. Well, I hope it’s a dog or two … and not a cat!
Before Grover had a chance to answer, Squeak started barking as they left the highway and turned down a small bumpy dirt road.
‘We’re almost there, we’re almost there!’ he cried.
CHAPTER 4
Peering out the window, Grover could see rolling green hills for miles and miles. It was such a beautiful place! They drove past paddock after paddock. Some of them were filled with trees and flowers, while others had cows and sheep. One even had a big lake.
‘Your new home looks wonderful, Squeak. You’re so lucky!’ said Grover.
‘Did you see the lake, Grover? Do you think we can go swimming in there? Ooh, I love swimming!’ said Squeak, his little head darting all over the place as he tried to see everything.
‘I’m sure you can go in there one day, Squeak. But I’m not a fan of swimming, so I don’t think I’ll go in with you,’ Grover replied.
Grover had hated water for as long as he could remember. He’d spent a lot of time chained up outside the house of the Man with Big Boots while it was raining. Plus, the Man with Big Boots sometimes squirted him with a hose if he’d been naughty. Water just brought up too many bad memories for him. Swimming was not something Grover found fun or exciting.