Dear Mike Smith,

This is just a note to say how proud I am of you! You're always willing to help out your family and friends. You like to learn new things, and I'm told that you always try to be the best that you can be. Mike, that makes you a winner!

I'm writing to ask if I can meet you soon in Atlanta and spend the day with you. I want to share some safety and crime-prevention tips with you and your buddies. If we all pitch in, I'm sure we can TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME!

See you soon?
McGruff the Crime Dog

            
That morning, Mike Smith woke up even before the alarm went off. He was too excited to sleep another wink! Today, Mike was going to meet McGruff the Crime Dog in Atlanta, and they would be spending the whole day together!

McGruff was even coming home with Mike after school. Good thing Larry, Will and John had helped Mike straighten up his room.

While he was cleaning up for McGruff's visit, Mike found things that he had lost long ago. He also found some things that he had forgotten he even had!

In a flash, Mike got dressed and made his bed. Even though he wanted to rush out of the door, he took time to eat a good breakfast. Mike had learned at school that breakfast was the most important meal of the day.

When Mike heard a knock at the front door, he carefully checked to see who was there before he unlocked and opened it. It was McGruff and some police officers, and they were ready to drive him to school. Mike locked the door as they left. "Way to go, Mike," McGruff said. "Better safe than sorry."

When Mike and McGruff got into the police car, they both took time to buckle up securely. "Wow," exclaimed Mike, "patrol cars are cool! Can we turn on the siren? Can I talk on the radio?" McGruff gave him a friendly smile. "There's more to crime prevention than just sirens, Mike," he said. "Just wait."