My Crazy Cousin Courtney Gets Crazier — Judi Miller

The crowd went wild, screaming “Go, go, go!” As if they were at a sporting event. Only one person in the world could inspire that kind of crazed response.
I thought I knew her, but this time my cousin Courtney had gone to new heights. She was always springing new talents, hidden accomplishments on me. This time she had sprinted up a tree faster than lightning.

Jolly's trainer was trying to pull Jolly away from Courtney, who was at the top of the tree hanging on and hugging him. Courtney may love animals but this was going too far. She was now feeding Jolly clumps of leaves. It was love at first sight.

I looked up and up and up at Courtney, who wasn't budging. Neither was Jolly. The fire department had been called and, after they arrived, they ran around trying to find the best spot for a net in case Courtney fell or decided to jump. But common sense should have told everyone that if Courtney got up, she could get down.

It was Jolly the giraffe they had to worry about. His trainer couldn't pry him away from Courtney.

They had fallen in love.