Chapter 1
The pretty blonde-haired reporter flashed a pearl white smile into the camera, took a deep breath, and then began to speak.
“Good morning, America. I’m here at Morton Animal Research Centre in Delaware to bring you an honest view into the lives of the animals living behind the doors of the often misunderstood world of biomedical research. I would like to thank MARC’s Founder and Director, Mr. Herb Morton, for this rare opportunity to accompany him on our tour today.”
Alice Anders directed a dazzling smile in Herb’s direction as she shook his hand for the camera. He was older than her and very handsome, but at the same time nervous and avoided looking directly into the lens. Publicity came with the territory and he hated being in the limelight. Alice had politely requested to bring a news crew to MARC on the back of some negative rumors which had been circulating; some had hinted at the mistreatment of animals. Herb felt that allowing the report to go ahead would give the general public a chance to make an educated decision regarding the testing of drugs on animals for the benefit of humans. One based on facts and not propaganda. MARC’s animals were always well looked after and he certainly had nothing to hide. He handed Alice a white lab coat which she duly put on over her baby-pink dress.
Looking confidently down the lens she added, “After this short break, we will be back with our report live from MARC. I’m Alice Anders reporting for NOW! I look forward to sharing with you shortly.”
NOW! cut to the ads and the volume increased as the voiceover enthusiastically announced that ‘Choco Wheels cereal is choctastic’.
The annoying jingle was now certain to remain in Cassie’s head all day.
“Put Choco Wheels in the dish
Add some milk, make a wish
Open your eyes, take in the view
Choco milkshake just for you.”
Then came the patronizing sales pitch:
“Come on, kids! Join the Choctastic Breakfast Club with Choco Wheels. A yummy breakfast and a milkshake all in one.”
Cassie stretched her arms out carefully above her head to avoid dislodging the IV tube which fed Diosyl directly into the vein in her hand. She felt dizzy and sick and the last thing she wanted to think about was Choco Wheels. She closed her eyes and imagined that she was anywhere else other than the clinical surroundings of her hospital room, her mind recalling the happier times before she got sick.
Cassie’s Hope Description:
Can an adorable beagle change the lives of everyone she meets?
Hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams S. A. Sachs
Cassie Larimer is fourteen years old. She was diagnosed with leukaemia just one year ago and her world has since changed forever.
Hope is a five-year-old beagle. She is testing a second-generation leukaemia drug at Morton Animal Research Centre (MARC)
Alice Anders is a news anchor for NOW! She conducts a live report from MARC one day which profoundly affects many of the people who witness the virtual tour.
Cassie Larimer was one of the viewers that day as she watched from her hospital bed.
Something magical happens when Cassie sets eyes on Hope for the first time. She feels a psychic bond with this charming little dog and sets out on a mission to rescue her from certain doom.
Will Cassie be able to keep her promise?
Meet Hope. She is no ordinary dog and will touch your heart too.
