Jan and Patch — Monica Hughes

Jan wants a puppy more than just about anything. But the house she lives in with her mom and grandmother is small, and they're all too busy to take care of a dog. So Jan goes to the local pet store-every day-to visit a little puppy she calls Patch. She wants to take Patch out for walks, but the store owner won't let her. When a crisis arises and Jan shows how responsible and resourceful she can be, however, they come to an arrangement that brings Jan and Patch together. Jan and Patch is a story that shows how patience and responsibility grow in young people.