From The Puppy Place: Rocky Lizzie caught her breath and took a closer look. Free Puppy, the ad said. "Bulldog." Then there was a phone number. That was all. She frowned. Why didn't it say "To a Good Home"? It sounded like the person was just going to give the puppy to the first person who called. That was no good. Ms. Dobbins, the director of the local animal shelter where Lizzie volunteered every week, would never do that. If someone wanted to adopt a pet from Caring Paws, they had to fill out a long application with lots of information about who they were, where they lived, and how they planned to take care of the animal that was about to become part of their family. Ms. Dobbins didn't let just anyone walk in, pay the adoption fee, and walk back out with a cat or dog. Excerpted from Rocky by Ellen Miles All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.