Jessie’s New Friend

Jessie’s dog, Taffy, was very friendly. He had no idea that he was supposed to guard the house. Anyone who came to the house was welcomed like a long-lost friend.
When the milkman came, Taffy ran out to greet him. The postman was warmly received. Papa’s driver, the gardener, the pizza delivery boy, the neighbour’s cat, Mrs Jolly who came to clean every Wednesday, the baker’s boy—Taffy was equally friendly with all of them!
An animal trainer was called so that Taffy might learn to obey all the commands properly. All that Taffy did was to lie on his back, pedalling his legs in the air. When the trainer asked him to get up, he brought his ball to play with him. Taffy was a dog with a mind of his own!
Jessie decided she would have to teach Taffy herself. After school, she would take Taffy for a walk. In the park she would say, “Sit, Taffy!” All the other dogs around would sit down. Taffy would be running round in circles. It was very exasperating.

There was a little boy who played in the park. He wore a very large shirt and his hair stood on end. He had no shoes on. He had a way with the dogs and they seemed to obey him and follow him around. Jessie had seen him playing there every evening.
“What is your name,” Jessie asked him one day.
“Christmas. My name is Christmas, because that’s Christmas when I was brought to the church,” he said, grinning, “They call me Chris.”
“You seem very good with animals,” said Jessie, “Can you train them too?” “I can try,” said Chris.
First Chris made friends with Taffy, throwing him sticks to fetch and playing hide-and-seek with him. Once Taffy had become friendly, the classes began.
Chris would command, “Taffy, sit.” If Taffy did not sit, there would be no games. He would sit sadly and watch Chris play with some other dog. Gradually, Taffy realized he had to obey the command. So, he sat down. Chris patted him and played a game.

One by one Taffy learnt to obey more orders: Heel, Run, Fetch, Lie down, Stay, Stop, Come, Jump and most important, Catch. Jessie watched the way Chris taught Taffy, patiently and firmly. When he became over-friendly with a stranger, Chris said “NO!” loudly and Taffy obeyed. Jessie was so happy. Taffy had been trained and she had a wonderful new friend too! She helped Chris study, in return for his kindness.

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