Can I Be Your Dog Read online

  Copyright © 2018 by Troy Cummings

  All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.

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  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Name: Cummings, Troy, author.

  Title: Can I be your dog? / Troy Cummings.

  Description: First edition. | New York : Random House, [2018] |

  Summary: A dog looking for a home sends letters to prospective owners on Butternut Street, with surprising results. | Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

  Identifiers: LCCN 2015043998 (print) | LCCN 2016020399 (ebook) |

  ISBN 978-0-399-55452-0 (hardcover) | ISBN 978-0-399-55453-7 (lib. bdg.) | ISBN 978-0-399-55454-4 (ebook)

  Subjects: | CYAC: Dogs — Fiction. | Letters — Fiction.

  Classification: LCC PZ7.C91494 (ebook) | LCC PZ7.C91494 Can 2017 (print) |

  DDC [E] — dc23

  Random House Children’s Books supports the First Amendment and celebrates the right to read.

  To the real Arfy

  Can I Be Your Dog?

  Troy Cummings

  Random House New York

  Dear people at Yellow House,

  Woof!!

  Can I Be Your Dog?

  I am potty trained and I have a squeaky bone.

  Also: I love to play!.

  I see you have a cat but I’m willing to work with you.

  Whoooo’s a good dog? I am!!

  Sincerely Arfy

  PS: I know every house on Butternut St but I asked you first!

  Dear Arfy,

  We’re so sorry, but you cannot be our dog.

  Our cat is, um, allergic to dogs.

  Good luck in your search!

  The Honeywells

  Dear Butcher Lady!

  Can I be your dog?

  I think your butcher shop would be a great place for a puppy like me.

  I could keep the floor nice and clean!

  Arfy

  Look pal.

  I’ve got a bone to pick with you. Last time I let a dog into my shop, a dozen meatballs went missing!

  Sorry, but there’s no way I’m taking in a pooch.

  Veronica Shank

  Butcher

  PS: No hard feelings. Enjoy these dried giblets and good luck finding a home.

  Nom Nom

  Dear Fire Station No. 5,

  Can I be your dog?

  I can fetch your boots!

  Plus, let’s just say I know my way around a fire hydrant.

  I’ve sniffed out every single one on Butter- nut St. (and yours is the shiniest!)

  -Arfy

  Dear applicant: Thank you for your interest in working with the Butternut Street Fire Station.

  Unfortunately, the position of: Fire Dog

  has already been filled.

  We will keep your letter on file. Best wishes in your search.

  Station No. 5

  Dear Junkyard Guy,

  I’m not gonna lie. You’re my next- to-last choice. But these past few days have been rough.

  Rough! Rough! Rrrrrrr-rough!

  So, please, can I be your dog? I don’t eat much, and I can bark if people try to steal your junk and stuff.

  Hopefully yours,

  Arfy

  Dear Mutt.

  Get lost!

  Dear Last House on Butternut Street.

  Can I be your dog? I see that your yard is full of weeds. And your windows are broken. And there’s a funny smell.

  But I’m not picky.

  Just lonely.

  -Arfy

  Return to Sender

  Aroooooo!

  to Arfy

  Dear Arfy,

  Can I be your person?

  I need a friend who will be with me no matter what: snow, rain, heat, or gloom of night.

  And I see that you already know everyone on Butternut Street!

  I know you’ll make a first-class partner.

  With hugs and head scratches,

  Mitzy Whipple

  Letter Carrier

  PS: If you agree, meet me at the big blue mailbox.

  Dear Mitzy,

  You know what?

  My tail has been wagging ever since I got your note.

  My answer is: YES!!

  Truly yours,

  Arfy

  PS: Woof!

  Scritch Scratch

  Here’s how you can help a homeless animal:

  Adopt a shelter animal instead of buying a pet.

  Volunteer at a shelter or a pet adoption event.

  Spay or neuter your pet so there will be fewer fur babies to find a home for.

  Donate to your local animal shelter or a national animal-advocacy group such as:

  * American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org)

  * The Humane Society (humanesociety.org)

  Extend a helpful paw so all our animal friends can find forever homes!

  -ARFY

  Troy Cummings has written and illus- trated a pile of books, including The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out! (Big Time!)
and the chapter-book series The Notebook of Doom. He has also illustreated some books written by others, such as Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar. He lives in Greencastle, Indiana, with his wife and kids. Dig up more of Troy’s work at troycummings.net.

  About the Author

  Can one of Arfy’s letters help him find a home on Butternut Street?

  Can one of Arfy’s letters help him find a home on Butternut Street?

 

 

  Troy Cummings, Can I Be Your Dog

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