It was a nice offer, but leave it to Watson to use a word like "holler."

"Thanks," I said. "Illremember that."

I absolutely adore Watson's kitchen. Although it has all the modern conveniences and appliances, it looks kind of like an old country kitchen. We eat at a big parson's table with two long benches. (Watson and Mom bought it when they got married.^ Most of the counter tops are covered with blue and white tiles. Copper pots and pans hang from the walls. The curtains - tiny pink and blue flowers on a cream-colored background - match the wallpaper. If s a wonderful, cozy room.

I plopped down on one of the benches, and almost at once Mom said, "Kristy, call David Michael, please, honey."

"DAVID MICHAEL!" I yelled.

"Kristy/' said Mom, giving me a look that was part smile, part exasperation.

"I know, I know." I got up, went to the

bottom of the stairs, and called him again.

"Kristy, can you come up here?" he replied.

I ran up the stairs and into his room. "What?" I asked.

David Michael was sitting on the floor next to Louie. "Call Louie," he said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Just call him."

I got down on one knee. "Louie! Come here, boy!" I dapped my hands.

Louie hobbled toward me. He was limping. "Hmm," I said. "I see what you mean."

"I looked at all his paws," David Michael told me, "but I can't find any cuts or insect bites or burrs."

"Poor old Louie," I said for the second time that day. "Well, don't worry, David Michael. We'll tell Mom, but it's probably nothing."

I should mention here that although we got Louie right after I was born, he's really more David Michael's dog than anyone else's. We all love Louie, but David Michael has especially loved him, even as a baby, and he's always taken care of him. He's never complained about messy dog food cans or smelly flea collars. It was David Michael who discovered a rock song called "Brother Louie." (That's the one that goes "Louie, Louie, Louie, Lou-ee.") Whenever he plays it, the real Louie howls