My Sister Gracie

the long version

Fabio is an only dog. He longs for a brother to play with him, to share his toys, and to show off to his friends. His owners agree that Fabio should have companionship. The time has come to get another dog. Much to Fabio’s horror, the dog they bring home is not the frisky brother he envisioned. It is fat old Gracie, fresh from the pound. She’s tired, she’s shy, and worst of all, she’s a girl. Fabio does everything he can to get rid of the interloper. But while it’s all right for him to complain about Gracie, just watch the fur fly when the other dogs make fun of her. Fabio realizes that families, and love, come in all shapes and sizes. This story will be familiar to any child who has wanted a brother or sister and is surprised to find that what arrives is not the full-fledged playmate he or she expected.