It was a warm day at the farm. Mrs. McCluck had just laid an egg. Mr. McCluck was excited. He was hoping for a boy but would also be happy with a girl.

Twenty-one days later, Mrs. McCluck felt pecking so she called Mr. McCluck. It was time! Mrs. McCluck got off her nest and saw a young chicken hatch out of its egg. Mr. McCluck smiled and exclaimed, "that peep should be named Gertrude." It was one of the happiest days of their lives since they had just become parents.

Five weeks later, Gertrude McCluck was playing around the chicken coop. Suddenly Gertrude saw an animal. This was Gertrude's first mystery. What was this animal?

Gertrude examined it and saw it had hair not feathers like her. She also noticed it had a big wet tongue unlike hers. She also thought it was strange that this animal walked using its "wings" as legs, not just by using two legs like she did. She then realized it was four legs, not two legs and two wings.

Gertrude didn't know whether or not to be afraid so she called for her parents. Mr. and Mrs. McCluck came running.

Gertrude said, "What is that strange animal? I know it is not a chicken."

"Gertrude, it is a dog," said Mr. McCluck.

"That is Spot, the farm dog," said Mrs. McCluck. "He is here to protect you, not hurt you."

"Thank you Mom and Dad," said Gertrude.

And that was Gertrude's first mystery.