1. What ’ s a Miracle? Adapted from Chicken Soup

2. One day, Bart decided To have a dog. Bart’s parents agreed to let him get a Dog from the animal shelter.

3. There were two dogs that Bart liked. Bart finally picked one. He named him Scruffy. Scruffy was a small, terrier type with hair going in all directions. He was a very energetic dog, never still for a second. He just wanted to play and run around.

4. Bart’s parents did not like Scruffy at all. He was not a good-looking dog. He was not a good-looking dog. They preferred the other pretty dog, Lady. Lady had quiet manners and Lady had quiet manners and was a handsome beagle. Since his parents insisted, Bart agreed to adopt Lady, not Scruffy.

5. Bart held Lady all the way home. On the third day, tragedy struck. Lady quietly died in her sleep. Bart felt heartbroken. He cried and cried.

6. The next morning, Bart said, “Mom, Dad, I really liked the other dog, Scruffy. Can’t we go back and get him?” His parents told him it would be too late.

7. “Too late? Too late for what?” he asked. They explained that the animal shelter only keeps Stray dogs for three days. If they are not adopted, the shelter has to do something about it.

8. “Like what?” asked Bart. “They have to put them to sleep,” said his mother gently.

9. “There were just too Many dogs and cats in the city, Bart. The shelter only has so little money, and so few volunteers to take care of them. A veterinarian just puts them to sleep.”

10. Bart said, “Let’s go back anyway. Maybe We can save Scruffy.”

11. Bart’s parents drove him back to the shelter. They went directly to the wire cage. It was empty.

12. “Scruffy is gone,” said Bart. “Can I help you?” said a voice. “Were you looking for a dog to adopt?” she said. “Yes,” said Bart.

13. “I want the dog that was there, in this cage. The dog is gone. I want that dog.”

14. “The vet was late getting here today because of car trouble. What you want is in that room over there.”

15. Bart raced through the door. In the middle of the room, on a cold steel table was Scruffy. He was strapped down. His legs were kicking. His big brown eyes were wide with fear And his tongue was hanging From the side of his mouth.

16. Standing over him was the vet, and a needle in his hand. Bart jumped into the room. He screamed at the vet, “Stop! Stop, please,” said Bart. “I want that dog. Don’t kill him!”

17. Bart got his dog, and Scruffy still lives with Bart today.

18. Do you know what a miracle is now?