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Eleanor was lonely. She did not have many friends, but she had always wanted a dog.
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Every year at Christmas, there was only one thing in her letter for Santa: a puppy.
Every time, she thought, “maybe this year I’ll get what I asked for,” and every time she was disappointed.
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Every year when her birthday came, she only wanted one present: a puppy.
Every time, she thought, “maybe this year I’ll get what I asked for,” and every time she was disappointed.
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One Christmas, Eleanor asked, “Mama, why doesn't Santa ever bring me a puppy? I’ve asked for one every year but I only receive stuffed puppies”.
“Well, honey” Mama said, “I think Santa knows that if he gets you a dog, I’ll be the one taking care of it, and I’m already busy enough.”
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“But Mama, if I had a puppy, I would take care of him myself.”
Mama laughed. “You say that now, but I’m already the one cleaning up your toys.”
“But Mama, a dog is different. I would take him on walks and feed him myself. He could even sleep in my room,” Eleanor pleaded.
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One day, Mama said, “Your auntie wants you to babysit her guinea pig. If you can take care of it then maybe Santa will bring you a dog this year.”
Eleanor was excited. A guinea pig must be easy to take care of. She would have no problem proving to the world that she could care for a puppy.
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When Eleanor’s aunt handed her the guinea pig, Trixie, she also gave her instructions:
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Clean her food bowl;
Feed her twice a day;
When possible, pick dandelions as food;
Fill her water bottle daily;
Wash her cage weekly;
Take her out daily;
Wash and brush her weekly.
Eleanor gulped. The list was long, but it must be easy to look after a guinea pig. Easier than a dog at least.
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The next morning, Eleanor woke up early to pick dandelions. She then washed Trixie’s bowl and water bottle, and filled them both.
At noon, she took Trixie out to play while she cleaned the cage. She then washed Trixie and brushed her hair.
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By the time she put Trixie back in her cage, it was already time to clean her bowl and feed her again.
“This was not too bad,” Eleanor thought. She was managing.
![](https://images2-cdn.storyjumper.net/transcoder.png?trim&id=73-x97czc6ek-5p1w4vb2u&maxw=256&maxh=256)
The next day, Eleanor woke up late and decided not to pick dandelions. She cut up lettuce and was about to put the food in the bowl when she remembered that she had to clean the bowl first.
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Later, she went to pick dandelions. Outside, she saw a new neighbour who was close to Eleanor's age.
“Hey” said the girl, “My name is Emily. I’m new here. Would you like to play with me?”
“I’m busy right now, maybe later?” And with that, Eleanor hurried back inside to feed Trixie.
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![](https://images2-cdn.storyjumper.net/transcoder.png?trim&id=3j-kip3zak8rb-5p1w2e4s0&maxw=256&maxh=256)
Eleanor was lonely. She did not have many friends, but she had always wanted a dog.
![](https://images2-cdn.storyjumper.net/transcoder.png?trim&id=6o-ry030tsljt-5p1vycjkc&maxw=512&maxh=512)
Every year at Christmas, there was only one thing in her letter for Santa: a puppy.
Every time, she thought, “maybe this year I’ll get what I asked for,” and every time she was disappointed.
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