Can I Be Your Dog?

Introduction

Can I Be Your Dog?This image book gives the tale of Arfy, a wandering mutt who breathes in a box on a road. Arfy letters to everybody on Butternut Street about what a favourite pet he’d make. His letters to proposed owners share that he’s housebroken! He has his squeaky bone! He can learn to live with cats! But no one wants him. Won’t anyone open their spirit home to a lonely dog? Students will be happily shocked to learn just who walks up to affirm Arfy.

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

Dear people at yellow house,

WOOF!! Can I be your dog?

I am potty-trained and I have my own squeaky bone. Also, I love to play. I see you have a cat but I’m willing to work with you.

Whooooooo’s a good dog? I am!!!

Sincerely,

Arfy

P.S. I know every house on Butternut Street, 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!

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

P.S. No hard feelings. Enjoy these dried giblets, and good luck finding a home.

Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom. Nom, 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 Butternut Street. (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! RRRRRRRR 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

Arfy

Soggy box in the alley

Return to sender. Nobody at this address. Last house on Butternut Street

Aroooooo!! Aroooooo!!

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

P.S. If you agree, meet me at the big blue mailbox.

There’s a good boy. There’s a good boy. Stop it. Stop it.

Dear Mitzy,

You know what? My tail has been wagging ever since I got your note. My answer is YES!!

Truly yours,

Arfy

P.S. Woof!

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, The Humane Society.

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

Arfy

“Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings” Book Read Aloud Youtube Video

Conversations

So what conversation will you have with your child after reading this book?

Some questions you might like to ask are:

Next: Watch Dr Dolittle Book Read Aloud

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