I first wanted pet dogs when I was 10 years old. One day, I told my dad that I wanted two hounds (猎犬) . But my dad said we didn't have money to buy those kinds of dogs. And my mom also told me that I was too young to keep hounds.
As the days passed, my need for dogs grew. I began to dream dogs in the night. I couldn't sleep well so I couldn't eat well, either. My mom noticed this and talked to my dad. I heard their talk from another room. At first, it made me feel pretty good because they began thinking about the problem. But then, I didn't feel good. I knew my parents were poor and didn't have any extra (额外的) money. I felt sorry for them and myself.
Just when I gave up all hope, I saw an ad (广告) . It read, "Hound babies for sale—$25 each." I decided to save money to buy the dogs myself. All through that summer I worked like a horse. I caught fish in the river. I picked apples on the farm. My hands hurt so hard.
Little by little, I earned $50! I counted it over and over again. Then I asked my dad to order the dogs at once. I finally had my own hounds.
