Stick Dog Dreams of Ice Cream Read Online Free Page A

this one had a sticker that read “Cool Breeze AC.” Stick Dog knew this type of box had a big fan inside that sometimes blew out warm air—and made the box shake and vibrate. It was not vibrating now though, and Stick Dog thought it was a safe place to hide—especially since it was surrounded by lilac bushes.
    â€œI think it’s fine,” replied Stick Dog. He was secretly thankful that Stripes no longer wanted to know why the water machine came alive just a few minutes earlier. “I don’t think it’s dangerous.”
    This made Stripes feel better, and she leaned more fully against the side of the box.
    â€œI’ve seen those things around in yards a lot,” Karen explained. “Humans grow plants around them to conceal them, I think.”
    â€œIt makes a great hiding place,” Mutt commented, turning his head to check out the surroundings.
    â€œOh, yeah. They’re really nice hiding spots,” Karen confirmed. “I always mark my territory whenever I find one.”
    At this, Stripes jumped immediately to her feet and lost all contact with the big green metal box. “You mean I was leaning where you—” she began to exclaim.

    But Karen cut her off. “No, no! Not this particular one. Just similar ones in the neighborhood is all.”
    â€œYou’re sure?” Stripes asked.
    â€œI’m sure.”
    Stripes then relaxed and leaned against the metal box again.
    After the excitement of the water-attacking machine and the race to this hiding spot, they all calmed down a good bit. This respite did little to quench their thirst on this hot, hot day, however. And it was only a few minutes before Mutt said, “I’m still thirsty.”
    Poo-Poo, Stripes, and Karen immediately all said, “Me too!”
    Stick Dog nodded his head and looked at the sky. There was not even a hint of relief in sight. There was not a single cloud. There was not the slightest breeze. And dusk was still hours away.
    â€œWhat can we do, Stick Dog?” Mutt asked.
    â€œWe came all this way,” said Stick Dog. “We might as well keep looking for another drinking source. Maybe we can find some more puddles or something. But before that, let’s do our best to relax here in this nice safe spot. Try not to think about being thirsty. Close your eyes and put your minds elsewhere.”
    Mutt, Karen, Stripes, and Poo-Poo all closed their eyes.

    Stick Dog watched them.
    In nine seconds, Poo-Poo said, “I’m still thirsty.”
    Stick Dog tried again. “Come on, now. You can do it. Just relax and think of something else.”

    Again they all closed their eyes as Stick Dog watched.
    In seven seconds, Stripes said, “I can’t think of anything.”

    â€œShh,” Stick Dog encouraged. “Try a little harder.”
    In twelve seconds, Karen said, “I put my thoughts elsewhere, Stick Dog, like you said. So I went for an imaginary walk in the woods. And while I was walking, I had to cross the creek. And that dumb creek was full of water, and now I’m thirsty again!”

    They all opened their eyes and stared at Stick Dog to await further instructions.
    Stick Dog tried something else.
    â€œLet’s all concentrate on something together,” he suggested. “I can hear some music off in the distance. Can you hear that? Let’s all listen to it with our eyes closed.”
    In six seconds, Mutt said, “That’s the most annoying music I’ve ever heard.”
    â€œShh,” said Stick Dog.

    After another eight seconds, Karen added, “It’s totally annoying.”
    â€œShh.”
    After eleven seconds, Poo-Poo said, “And it’s getting closer!”
    They all opened their eyes again when they realized Poo-Poo was right: The music was, in fact, growing louder and louder. It was as if the music was moving toward them.
    All the dogs—even Stick Dog—stood up and pointed their