Waking up in Connecticut his first day, Sir Scruffy McDuff stretched his little legs and sniffed around his new home. Scruffy thought it was the most beautiful place in the world.  It had fountains and gardens, plenty of food and toys, and everything smelled clean and interesting. 

It was a far cry from where he started life at Anguish Acres.
'
When Scruffy tried to breathe in  the beautiful air, he would cough and cough and cough. His whole body shook, and then he got very tired.

The little puppy was so embarrassed when it happened. 

"No one else does that," he thought, "but I can't help it.  Every time I try to breathe it hurts."  His little body ached from coughing. 

He watched Sydney play with her uprights.  He thought she was so beautiful, big and healthy.  "I will never grow up to be big like that," he thought sadly.
"I'm dying you know," he told Sue, "but I told my mother I would make something of myself. I just don't know what to do, and I don't have much time."

"You have already made something of yourself," smiled Sue patiently.  "You are a silly, loveable little puppy!"

Scruffy was tired and sad.  He loved his new home, but he wanted someone to help him understand his pawpose in life.

"Tomorrow, we are going to take you to Sydney's vet to see how you are doing. You just rest and try to get well," said Sue.

"Would you like me to read you a story?" she asked, trying to take the puppy's mind off his troubles.

"I love stories!" said Scruffy.

  
  
'No one can wake him,
He's sick with a cough!" finished Scruffy McDuff.