This birthday was getting a little bit better. Brady took a big breath. If he tiptoed, he could sneak outside without anyone noticing. He turned to leave the room. A low growl sent prickles up his spine. In the shadowy hallway, a pair of white fangs gleamed. Grit was blocking the doorway. Becky Citra is the author of the Max and Ellie series of pioneer stories: Ellie's New Home, The Freezing Moon and Danger at the Landings (Orca). Becky writes about past and present with humor and insight. Unlike her character Brady in Dog Days, she has no trouble getting along with animals. After all, she lives in a tiny community called Bridge Lake in British Columbia where she has six horses, a dog and a cat to look after.