Carlos wanted a bulldog puppy（小狗）very much.
"That kind of dog is too expensive," said Mama. "Try to make some money. Ask our neighbors if they have 1you can do."
After two weeks, Carlos had saved twenty-six dollars. But it was not enough to 2 a puppy. Then, Papa pointed out a poster at the store: City Animal Shelter（收容所）Needs Your Help!
"The shelter takes care of homeless pets," Papa said. "Carlos, you need to know 3 to care for a puppy before you get one. I'm sure you can 4 a lot by working there."
At the shelter, Miss Jones, the manager said, "We only take volunteers who work for 5 All our money is to help animals."
"You'll know a lot about dogs," Papa 6 Carlos.
Carlos's shoulders dropped. How was he ever going to get enough money for a puppy? 7 he agreed to give it a try.
Carlos started working at the shelter on Saturday. His task was sweeping. One 8 named Pepper jumped and ran around him all the time. She was fully grown, but she was as playful as a puppy.
After several weeks, Carlos began to 9 his time with the dogs, especially Pepper. One day Carlos asked Miss Jones why Pepper was still at the shelter.
Miss Jones sighed, "We've had 10 finding a home for Pepper. Most people don't want such an energetic（精力旺盛的）dog." "I 11 I could buy her," Carlos replied.
Miss Jones smiled, "You can't buy her, 12 you can adopt（领养）her."
With his parents' permission, Carlos made it at last. "I thought I wanted a bulldog puppy, but I got Pepper instead," Carlos said.
Pepper barked with joy.
