CHAPTER THREE

BE BRAVE

Fred and Velma walked through the vendor area. People were selling all kinds of dog products, from collars to costumes to squeaky toys.

“Do you think any of these vendors would want to close down the show?” asked Fred.

“I don’t see why,” replied Velma. “They seem to be making a lot of money from all the dog owners.”

Fred and Velma went up to a vendor selling small, silver tubes.

“Having trouble training your dog?” a man asked. “If so, then why not try a dog whistle. It’s a whistle only dogs can hear.” The man blew into the little silver tube, but no sound came out. A nearby dog turned its head to look up at the man.

“That’s neat,” said Velma. “But we don’t need a dog whistle for Scooby-Doo.”

“All we need are boxes of Scooby Snacks,” added Fred.

Fred and Velma walked by more tables. They saw dog brushes, dog beds, and dog treats. One stand had a small crowd in front of it.

“Is your dog scared of thunder?” asked a man. “Or the vet? Or the mailman?” He held up a small cardboard box. The box had a picture of a dog wearing a cape like a superhero.

“Well then you need a box of Spunky Snacks! The treat that’s guaranteed to turn your dog from a scaredy-cat to a brave dog!”

Fred looked at Velma. “Maybe Scooby could use a box of those.”

Just then the door at the other side of the vendor area flew open. Shaggy and Scooby raced through.

“Like, look out!” shouted Shaggy. “Crazy monster dogs on the loose!”

Shaggy and Scooby-Doo dove headfirst into a box full of fluffy dog toys. Toy animals and white stuffing flew everywhere.

Fred and Velma looked at the open doorway.

“I don’t see anything,” said Velma.

Velma and Fred marched over to the giant pile of stuffed toys. They began pulling away the stuffed animals. They uncovered Shaggy and Scooby who stared straight ahead without blinking. They were trying to blend in with the other stuffed animals.

“You can drop the act, guys,” said Fred.

Shaggy and Scooby-Doo looked at each other.

“Are they gone?” asked Shaggy.

“There’s nothing chasing you,” replied Velma.

Shaggy and Scooby climbed out of the box.

“Phew,” said Shaggy. “Looks like we lost them, buddy.”

“Lost who?” asked Velma.

“Like, the monster mutts from the picture,” replied Shaggy. “They had big teeth, glowing red eyes, and shaggy fur.”

“Rhey were rary!” said Scooby-Doo.

“Sounds like your dog could use a little bravery,” said a voice beside them.

Everyone turned to see the salesman they saw earlier. He tipped his hat.

“Alfred Vittman is the name, and Spunky Snacks are my game.” He held up his box of snacks.

“Made will all-natural ingredients, these tasty treats will make any dog brave as can be.”

He reached into the box and pulled out a snack. He tossed it at Scooby-Doo. The dog caught the treat and gobbled it in one bite.

Scooby’s ears perked up as he chewed. “Ooh! Rummy!”

“What do you think, Scoob?” asked Shaggy. “Do you feel any braver?”

Scooby-Doo looked around. “I rink so.”

“Well, that’s good,” said Velma.

“Because shouldn’t you be in the main judging area with all the other dogs?” asked Velma.

“Oh, reah,” said Scooby.

Shaggy gulped and pointed to the doors leading to the main arena. “You mean out there? With all of those people watching?” He turned to Mr. Vittman. “How about a Spunky Snack for me too, huh?”

Mr. Vittman looked confused. “Well, son… they’re, uh… supposed to be just for dogs.”

Velma shook her head. “Just go with it.”

“Yeah,” agreed Fred. “Shaggy eats Scooby Snacks all the time.”

“Well, uh… okay.” Mr. Vittman tossed a Spunky Snack toward Shaggy. Shaggy gulped it down.

“Like, thanks, Mr. Vittman,” said Shaggy. He and Scooby ran toward the doorway. “I feel braver already!”