The Christmas Eve Visitor

Read the story carefully, then answer the questions. On Christmas Eve, Poppy was helping to tidy the veterinary clinic before it closed for the night. Outside, snow dusted the pavement and the street lamps shone through the falling flakes. Most of the animals had gone home, but a ginger cat named Bramble was staying in a warm pen until his family could collect him the next morning. Just as Poppy switched off the reception lights, a bell jingled at the front door. Isla, the vet, opened it and found a small, shivering dog on the step. No person was nearby. A red ribbon was tied loosely around the dog’s collar, but there was no name tag. “We can’t leave him out in this weather,” said Poppy. She fetched a dry towel while Isla checked the dog for injuries. He had a muddy paw, but he did not seem hurt. Callum, who was bringing supplies to the clinic, spotted a paper parcel tucked beneath the bench outside. Inside was a note: “Please keep our dog safe tonight. We are stranded at the station. His name is Pip.” The three of them made Pip a cosy bed beside Bramble’s pen. Poppy shared her packed supper with him, and Isla rang the station to ask whether the family needed help. Before long, a grateful couple arrived. Their train had been delayed, and they had walked through the snow to find Pip. When they thanked the clinic team, the waiting room seemed warmer than ever, though the radiator had not changed at all.