The Changs were busy getting their apartment ready for a houseguest. They had volunteered to dog-sit Lalo, their friends the Casagrandes' pet dog while they were visiting relatives south. Granted, this wasn't exactly unfamiliar territory for them. They had brought various animals that Becca had worked with from the zoo. But Lalo was significantly bigger than any of the critters they had felt comfortable having at the apartment in the past, so they had to make sure the place was doggie proof.
"This is going to be so much fun!" said Adelaide happily, she had been looking forward to having Lalo over ever since the Casagrande's had asked for the favor.
"Now remember, just like with any of the other animals, Lalo is going to be a big responsibility. And I really mean a big responsibility, I swear, that guy is huge!" her father told her.
"Don't worry Dad, a little bacon and Lalo becomes your best friend for life!" replied Sid, remembering when she first met that dog. There was a knock on the door and Becca quickly rushed over to get it. It was, no surprise, the Casagrande's.
"Thank you all so much for agreeing to watch over Lalo for us while we're out of town. It helps out big time," said Frida.
"It's no trouble at all, I'm used to dealing with all sorts of animals so this is nothing," replied Becca as she gently took Lalo's collar. The rest of her family came over, Adelaide making a point to hug Lalo.
"Not that I'm complaining but why aren't we looking after Sergio as well?" asked Sid.
"That bird brain is hanging out with some of his other feathered friends somewhere. Doing heaven knows what," answered Ronnie Anne with a shiver.
"Now, I've made a point to pack Lalo's bed, his food and water bowls, his favorite blanket, squeaky toys, two different leashes, plenty of dog food and some of his favorite treats. Also, you have our numbers if you have any questions," explained Abuela as she handed Stanley Chang a rather large bag.
"You'd think he was going on a trip himself," joked Stanley. CJ, Ronnie Anne, Bobby, Carlota, Carl and little Carlitos all gave Lalo a great big hug good bye before the family headed out.
"Well, big guy, you're with us for the week so I guess that makes you an honorary Chang for the time being," Becca told Lalo as she gently petted him on the back. He enjoyed that and gently brushed up against her leg.
"Oh, do you want to go for a walk?" asked Becca. Lalo seemed to nod his head.
"I'll do it!" volunteered Sid and Adelaide at precisely the same moment. When they realized they were speaking in unison, they looked right at each other and laughed.
"Well, I'm glad that you're both taking this responsibility seriously, however, I am sorry Adelaide but you're just not big enough to be taking Lalo on a walk by yourself. But I'll tell you what, you can accompany Sid on the walk and help her out," replied Becca. It was agreed. Sid even brought her skateboard along. It didn't take long for the three of them to come across Sid and Ronnie Anne's close friends Nikki, Sameer and Casey.
"Hey there Sid, looks like you've got Ronnie Anne's big dog today!" observed Casey.
"We're dog-sitting Lalo while Ronnie Anne's family is out of town!" exclaimed Adelaide.
"Well, that's nice of you guys. Hey, is it okay if we pet him?" asked Nikki.
"Hey, Lalo knows you guys, you don't have to ask, go for it!" said Sid, Lalo found himself receiving plenty of affection from the three skateboarding friends. Sid was right, he knew those three friends and enjoyed the affection from them. Suddenly, a little butterfly flew by and Lalo lost no time chasing after it, dragging poor Sid right behind him.
"You guys stay here, I'll handle this!" Sameer told everyone else as he hopped on his skateboard and chased after the dog. Thanks to his slick moves, he was able to catch up with them, gently wrap his arm around Lalo and calmed the big guy down enough, giving Sid a chance to catch her breath. Sameer then walked over to Sid.
"You alright there Sid? That was a mighty big run you got in! And I'm amazed you held onto the leash through it all!" he exclaimed. Sid pointed out she had the handle looped around her wrist which allowed her to stay connected to Lalo the whole time. They decided to walk back to the group. Adelaide rushed over to hug her sister.
"You're lucky Sameer kept his cool about him!" laughed Casey.
"Yeah well, I guess it shows Lalo gets excited about the little things, I think it might be best if we start heading home now, I'll see you guys around!" replied Sid with a smile as she led Lalo and Adelaide back to their apartment building. When they got home, Becca was amazed to see her older daughter covered with a bit of dirt.
"Lalo saw a butterfly and well, let's just say he took me for a ride!" she explained.
"Then I guess you both got a major workout, so you accomplished what you set out to do!" Becca laughed as she took Lalo and began to examine his toenails.
"Well, since you're all back now, how about some grub?" asked Stanley. Everyone was eagerly happy for the idea. They went to the dining area where Sid's creation, Breakfast-bot had already set the table for supper and was now in the midst of setting their sloppy joe sandwiches onto the table.
Everybody sat down, Sid making sure to get Lalo his food. They were soon joined by some of the Chang's other animal friends that were once again visitin from the zoo, Nico the monkey, Cam the chameleon snake who they only knew was there because of his bell, Yoon and Kwan the African black egrets, Marcel the marmoset and Adelaide's pet, Froggy 2. The Chang's watched in silent amazement at how well they got along with Lalo, and Lalo didn't even seem to mind when Froggy 2 jumped on his head.
"Well, considering the number of children he lives with, I guess that's something he's become accustomed to," said Stanley.
"I suppose so," agreed Becca. That night when it was time off, Sid got to sleep with Lalo in her room. She and Adelaide had agreed to take turns letting Lalo sleep in their rooms during her stay. Unfortunately, Sid quickly found he took up most of the bed space, but she found him to be a great cuddle buddy anyway.