Niam was a hardworking fourth-grader who loved learning and exploring the world around him. Every day, he would come home from school and dive into his homework, determined to do his best. His parents were proud of his dedication, but they could see that sometimes the pressure of school took a toll on him.

One day, as Niam was walking home from school, he noticed a small, stray puppy shivering in the cold. Without hesitation, Niam scooped up the pup and hurried home, determined to give the animal a warm, safe place to stay. When Niam's parents saw the puppy, they were surprised but immediately agreed to let Niam keep him.

Niam named the puppy Buddy and quickly fell in love with his new furry friend. Buddy's playful spirit and unconditional love seemed to lift Niam's spirits, and he found himself looking forward to coming home from school each day. Instead of rushing through his homework, Niam would take breaks to play with Buddy, run around the backyard, and simply enjoy being a kid.

As Niam's bond with Buddy grew stronger, he noticed something else changing: his attitude towards school. The pressure he had once felt seemed to melt away, replaced by a newfound enthusiasm for learning. Niam started asking more questions in class, participating in discussions, and even volunteering for extra credit projects.

Niam's parents were amazed at the transformation they saw in their son. They realized that the unexpected gift of Buddy had not only brought joy to Niam's life but had also helped him to rediscover his love of learning and the importance of balance in his life.

Discussion Questions: 1. How did Buddy's arrival in Niam's life change his attitude towards school and learning? 2. What do you think Niam learned from taking care of Buddy? 3. Why do you think having a pet can be beneficial for children? 4. How did Niam's parents react to the changes they saw in their son? What do you think they learned from this experience?