The sun had just risen on a very beautiful sunny day in New York, shining down upon the city, its buildings, people, and animals.
In the City Dog Pound where all dogs who are lost or homeless are cared for, and hopefully at some point, placed in a loving home. Within this Pound there lives a band of very special dogs who call themselves The Pound Puppies. They are caring, compassionate, and dedicated to finding homes for as many puppies as possible.
Among them is, Barkerville, a fine English bulldog with fuzzy brown fur, and he wore a collar that sported a red velvet bow-tie; he also sported a monocle over his left eye, and always wore a black silk top hat. He was the chief coordinator of the Pound Puppies, which meant he was the one who was in charge of finding the best homes for the most puppies.
Today he thought about how much he loved his job, knowing that it made so many puppies as well as people happy, most of those people being children. He sat at a desk in a comfortable sized office, making special phone calls and briskly writing down names and addresses and carefully checking records.
After a while, he began to feel the need to be outside, as many dogs did. So after carefully reviewing everything he had just accomplished, he stood and took hold of his walking stick and left the office.
On his way out, he noticed that Cooler, Scrounger, Howler, and two other dogs were seated around a table and a lively card game was going on.
As he approached them, Scrounger, who was Cooler's best friend, noticed him and said, "Hey, Barky! Would you care to join us in a little poker?"
"No thanks, chaps," he said as he paused before their table. "I'm going for a gentle stroll."
"Suit yourself," said Cooler as he selected another card. "Just hope you'll be back before Nabbit gets back."
Barkerville hoped the same thing. He waved as he passed by them, hearing conversation amongst them.
He sneaked out carefully through a back door and into the fresh air and sunshine. He walked along gently with his cane in front of him as he headed to the place where most dogs like to be when they go for a morning walk, to the park.
He soon reached Central Park where he was greeted by the sights and sounds of many people and dogs enjoying themselves. He smiled as it seemed a perfect day.
After he had walked around for a little while, he came across a slightly larger dark brown dog who was sitting still, tied to a tree with a leash, and had a rather sad look on his face.
Feeling rather concerned, Barkerville went over to him and said, "I say, old man, what seems to be the trouble?"
The big dog gave a low moan and said, "I want those wieners, over there," he pointed to a hot dog stand that was ten feet from them. "But I can't reach them."
Barkerville thought for a minute, then said, "Well, if you really want them I know how to get them for you."
The bigger dog's expression brightened as Barkerville went over the vendor and crouched on his hind legs with his forepaws out, and the dark haired man standing there smiled and reached inside of the vendor and gave him a bright red hot dog.
He ran quickly back to the big dog tied to a tree and placed it kindly into his mouth.
"Gee, thank you," he said as he ate happily on the wiener.
Barkerville smiled and tipped his hat, then he continued on his stroll feeling really good now.
After walking around for another hour, he noticed Dabney Nabbit, the city dog catcher's truck parked just outside of the park. So, he crept quietly to the back of it and climbed unseen into the open door.
Once inside, he noticed a small, fluffy brown and white pup with big eyes and floppy ears huddled in a corner and trembling in fear.
He looked so pitiful, so Barkerville went over to him and gently stroked his fur as he said, "Tell me, little chap, why are you so frightened?"
"I'm lost," the pup said, close to tears. "I used to live with a family that had a little boy named Kyle, but a few days ago I wandered from home, and when I found my way back, they had all moved away, I don't know where they are anymore."
Tears streamed down his furry cheeks. "This scary man just caught me in a net and threw me in here. I don't know where he's taking me."
Barkerville wiped away the pup's tears. "He is taking us to the Pound," he explained. "That is where I live and have many friends there, and they will soon become your friends and we will all find out where your family has moved and somehow reunite you with them."
"You promise?" the pup sniffled.
"I promise. It is our job," Barkerville said sincerely. "So you have nothing to my fear my little friend, I'm here for you."
Just then, they heard the door open and close as Nabbit got into the truck and drove off to the pound.
Barkerville stayed close to the little pup, whose name he learned on the way was Rugby, the whole way there.
They soon arrived back at the pound, where Nabbit turned them both loose and Barkerville quickly found the rest of the Pound Puppies who were all gathered together.
"Ahem!" Barkerville said as he got their attention. "This is Rugby, whom I found on my stroll in the park. He is lost since the family he belongs to has moved. I will now try to find where they are," he said as Rugby stood shyly behind him.
Barkerville then left them and went straight to his office where he got out his phone books and maps and with them discovered that Rugby's family, the Patersons, had moved from New York to Ohio a week ago. With this information he returned to his friends.
"I'm so sorry they moved when you weren't there," said Nose Marie, a feisty female bloodhound, to Rugby. "You must really miss them."
"Yes, I do," said Rugby. "Kyle used to take me for walks and give me treats. He always played with me and took good care of me. I miss him the most."
"Ahem!" Barkerville got their attention as he entered the room. "I've just found out Rugby's family lives in Ohio, which is hundreds of miles from here."
"Oh my!" said Nose Marie. "He shouldn't have to make the journey alone. I will go with him, my nose will be of much use on the way."
"I shall go also," said Barkerville. "I know where our destination is, and shall guide your nose, my dear Nose Marie."
Howler gave a low pitched howl, for he could only speak in howls, to show that he wanted to come with them."
"So, that settles it then," said Cooler in his deep New York accent. "Barkerville, Howler, Nose, and myself will go on a journey to find Rugby's family. We'll start out tomorrow morning. Now, we should prepare for the journey."
