People have been drawn to animals since the beginning of time. Kind and thoughtful pet owners love their pets, and in return, those beloved pets unconditionally love their pet owners back. They can bring about incredible joy for the whole family and, in fact, become like members of that family. Little Katie wants this joy for herself--she desperately wants a dog of her own. Being an only child, she yearns for a small, fury playmate with whom she can play, take care of, and love. She feels that at eight years old, she is now old enough to take care of a dog. After several years of pleading for a puppy, Katie finally sees her fondest dream come true. She loves her new, special friend with all her heart and keeps her promise to faithfully take care of her. But after becoming very attached to her sweet little dog, her dream is suddenly snatched away. She finds herself forced into giving her greatest gift. The sacrifice seems far too great. But would her reluctantly given "gift" be for a greater good? Would she come to realize that a true gift is always freely given?The Reluctant Gift is a fictional work based on true events. 2

--Donna M. Smith

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