I crossed my paws in front of me. “My

answer is NO!”

“But it’s my birthday!” HERCULE

cried. “I need a friend to help me

celebrate in style.” He grinned.

“Your birthday already passed,”

I said. I turned and stomped

back into my house.

But Hercule would not give

up. “Let’s celebrate

your birthday, instead! We’ll eat cheese

sandwiches by the pool, swim

with dolphins, learn to surf — it

will be the best birthday

you’ve ever had!”

This was getting ridiculous. “I already

had my birthday, too! You even came to my party! And I don’t want to do any of those things. I want to finish my work!”

16