Ernest and the Elevator

Liam has a dog named Ernest. He is a very good dog. Ernest rarely barks. He never bites. He’s very well-behaved, except that he loves chewing Liam’s shoes. Every day after school, Liam takes Ernest for a walk. “Time for a walk, Ernest,” Liam calls. Ernest wags his tail and runs over to Liam. Liam clips Ernest’s leash to his collar. Liam and Ernest live in an apartment building. Ernest does not like to ride in the elevator. Every day, Liam tries to get Ernest to go into the elevator. And every day, Ernest refuses to go inside.

Ernest whines, cries and pulls on the leash. He’s too scared to ride the elevator. Most of the time, Liam and Ernest take the stairs. Not today! Today, Liam decides to help Ernest conquer his fear. First, Liam tries to lure Ernest into the elevator with his favorite dog toy. He takes Ernest’s stuffed monkey out of his doggie bed and puts it on the elevator floor. “Come on, Ernest!” he exclaims, holding the elevator door open. “Come get your toy.” Ernest looks at the stuffed monkey. He looks at the elevator. Then he lies down and makes a soft whining noise. He won’t get in the elevator. Liam has another idea. He finds some salami in the fridge and puts it on the floor of the elevator. “Come get the salami, Ernest,” he says. 

Ernest looks at the salami. He looks at the elevator. He inches a little bit forward, then stops. Ernest still won’t get in the elevator. Liam is about to give up. Will nothing help Ernest overcome his fear? Then, Liam has another idea. He takes off one of his shoes and tosses it inside the elevator. “Ernest, go get the shoe!” Before Liam can even finish his sentence, Ernest jumps inside the elevator. He starts chewing on Liam’s shoe. They get to the bottom floor. “You are so brave, Ernest,” Liam says. Ernest won’t let go of the shoe, but Liam doesn’t mind. He takes Ernest for a walk in one shoe and one sock.