Even with all the books in it, Lizzie’s backpack was a lot lighter after she took out her lunch box and her other school stuff. With Spirit bounding at her side, Lizzie already felt much better. He was such a sweet, smart dog. One way or another, she knew she’d find him a great home.

As they came to the edge of the park, Spirit began to tug on the leash. “Easy, boy,” said Lizzie. She would need to work on his leash manners.

“Yes, we’re going to your old house,” Lizzie said, looking down at the puppy. His ears were pointed forward and his eyes were bright. “Please remember to stay calm. Don’t get all rowdy.”

Lizzie realized that she should have called before she left. What if they weren’t home? She could always leave the books inside their screen door if they weren’t there. The books would be safe and stay dry. Still, Spirit would be sad if he did not get to visit his mom and his old family. Lizzie would be disappointed, too.

At the sight of the house, Spirit barked and flashed a doggy smile up at Lizzie. “That’s right—we’re almost there,” Lizzie said. Spirit’s tail swished and spun in its happy wag as they climbed the porch steps. It made Lizzie laugh. Lizzie started to take off her glove to knock, but she decided to try the doorbell, just in case. When she pressed the round button, a ding-dong followed. “They fixed it!” Lizzie said to Spirit.

Mr. Leckner looked surprised when he opened the door. “Hey, everyone,” he called over his shoulder, “it’s Lizzie and Spirit.”

“Hi,” Lizzie said. “I was at the library, and I got some books for Eli.” She shrugged her backpack off one shoulder and started to unzip it. By the time she glanced up, the entire Leckner family had gathered by the door—even Eli and Mitzy! Lizzie swallowed down a gulp, feeling suddenly shy. “Um, hi, everyone.”

Spirit wasn’t so shy. He sprang forward to sniff at Mitzy, his tail wagging harder than ever.

It’s Mom! Oh, I really missed her! And my boy! I haven’t seen him for so long!

Mitzy nuzzled Spirit with her nose and wagged her tail as her puppy darted all around her. Spirit pulled hard on the leash and it slipped out of Lizzie’s hand. The library books tumbled from her arms onto the porch.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Lizzie said as she grabbed for the leash. This was not how she had meant the visit to go. “I didn’t mean to cause a commotion,” she said. “Spirit, come here, boy. Calm down now.” Spirit jogged back to Lizzie at once. He sat down, his tail still wagging across the boards of the porch. Lizzie gave him a pat and started to pick up the fallen books.

“It’s good to see you, Lizzie,” Mrs. Leckner said. “We were just talking about you.”

Nora knelt down to help Lizzie with the books.

“About me?” Lizzie asked.

“Well, and Spirit,” Nora said. Hearing his name, Spirit walked over to Nora and stuck his nose right in her face. “Yes,” Nora said, ruffling the fur around the puppy’s neck. “We were talking about you, Spirit, weren’t we?”

“We loved getting that picture of Spirit with your little brother last night,” Mrs. Leckner said. “It got us thinking.”

By then, Spirit had wandered straight into the Leckners’ house, but no one seemed to mind. He went up to Eli and put a gentle paw on the armrest of the boy’s wheelchair.

“We have family reading time at night, and Spirit was the only puppy who would actually stay still while we sat and read,” Mr. Leckner explained. “Your picture reminded us of that.”

“He would always curl up with me,” Eli added softly, stroking Spirit’s back.

Suddenly, Lizzie understood why Spirit had always seemed so sad when he watched Charles and Buddy cuddle together.

“That’s sweet,” Lizzie said. She had not seen Eli since the day of the accident. He looked pretty happy for someone whose leg was all wrapped in plaster and propped up in front of him like a board. Eli scratched Spirit under the neck, and the puppy lifted his chin up high. Then Eli bent to pull Spirit into a great, big hug. His parents watched and smiled.

“That’s one of the reasons I think Spirit would be a great service dog,” Lizzie said. “He’s very patient and brave. And intelligent. But I haven’t heard back from the training center yet. You sometimes have to wait a while for an open spot.”

“So you really think Spirit has what it takes?” Mrs. Leckner asked.

“Oh, definitely.” Lizzie stood up and handed the stack of books to Mr. Leckner.

Nora stood up, too. Then she turned to look at Lizzie. “What my parents really want to ask is, do you think Spirit would be better as a service dog than a pet? Because ever since you sent that picture, we have all been thinking that we’d love to have him come back to live with us. He could keep Eli company. He could keep Mitzy company. He’d be sort of like a service dog for our whole family.”

Lizzie frowned. “Really?” she asked. “I thought you didn’t want a hyper, rowdy puppy in the house. Because, you know …” She looked at Mrs. Leckner. “You’re having a baby.”

“I know, I know,” Mrs. Leckner said, her hand moving to her belly. “It will be a lot of work, having a puppy and a baby, but I think our family can handle it.”

“I promised to help a lot,” Eli said. “Even more when my cast comes off.”

“And I can make sure Eli does what he says he’ll do,” added Nora, sounding like a typical older sister.

Lizzie held her breath. Was this really happening?

“Besides,” said Mr. Leckner, “Spirit isn’t nearly as rambunctious when he’s not with his siblings. He’s playful with Mitzy, but he isn’t out of control.”

“You’re right,” agreed Mrs. Leckner. “Without his littermates around, he’s a lot more mellow.”

“You know? I think this is exactly what Spirit has wanted all along—to be back with his mom and his people,” said Lizzie. “And, secretly, I did, too!”

“So you think it’s a good idea?” asked Mrs. Leckner.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Lizzie.

Spirit licked Eli’s face in celebration, and Eli gave him another hug.

Lizzie couldn’t wait to tell her family and the Miyanos. This was the best news ever. Her wish had come true. Spirit had found the perfect forever home—with his very own family!