The sun shone brightly over the warm backyard grass. It was the perfect day for a picnic, and the large picnic basket was ready.
As soon as the basket settled on the ground, nine furry friends rushed through the open gate with happy yips and meows.
The host poured out a jumbled pile of bones and apples. He scratched his ear with a soft whine. He needed exactly ten snacks for the group.
He decided to sort them first. He tapped a hard, white bone with his paw to count. "One!"
He carefully lined up the rest of the bones in a neat, straight row. "Two, three, four, five!"
The row looked perfect. He wagged his tail at the neat pile, feeling very clever today.
Now it was time for the apples. He rolled a smooth red one right next to the line of bones. "Six!"
He gently pushed the remaining apples to continue his count. "Seven, eight, nine!"
He stared at the nine snacks, then counted his nine hungry guests. Wait, he needed one for himself! He frowned at the dirt.
High above the peaceful garden, the thick leafy branches of the old oak tree suddenly rustled in the wind.
He looked up and saw a playful squirrel peeking out from the leaves, holding something huge.
Over the edge it went! The surprise treat landed in the grass with a loud thump.
He quickly pushed the surprise giant apple to the very end of his sorting line.
"Plus one makes ten!" he barked out loud, freely jumping straight up into the air.
The furry guests cheered together and immediately rushed toward the long row of sweet-smelling treats.
Every dog grabbed a bone and every kitten took a crunchy apple. He finally bit into his own treat, his tail thumping a joyful rhythm.
