Margo Finch's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Margo Finch knelt beside the golden retriever and watched its tail wag. She wanted to train rescue dogs to help anxious readers in Edinburgh's libraries. The dog licked her hand. She smiled and scratched behind its ears. This was just the beginning. She stood and pulled a folded flyer from her jacket pocket. The paper listed her program details and training schedule. Margo walked three blocks to a wooden box mounted on a post. The little free library held a dozen worn paperbacks inside. She tucked her flyer between two novels where people would see it. The next morning, Margo led the golden retriever through a training yard. Bright orange cones marked a path between ramps and tunnels. The dog hesitated at the first hurdle. Margo clicked her tongue and held up a treat. The retriever jumped over and wagged its tail. They moved through the weaving poles next, then the tunnel. Each obstacle helped build focus and calm behavior. By afternoon, Margo pushed open the door to Reading Paws. The bookstore smelled like paper and coffee. Paw print decals decorated the front window. Shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling. The owner had agreed to host weekly reading sessions here. Kids could practice reading aloud while dogs rested beside them. Margo pictured anxious readers finding peace with a warm animal at their feet. She ran her hand along a bookshelf and felt hope rise in her chest. Her dream was taking shape.