Sally and Mummy caught the bus into town to do some shopping. The sky was dark and overcast and the wind was cold. The bus ride was slow as the bus collected people at every single stop. When all the seats were full, the driver asked people to stand in the aisle at the back of the bus. When the bus arrived at the town square, the sky opened and the rain poured down. Everyone was reluctant to get off the bus and when they did, they tried to put umbrellas up quickly, covered their heads with newspapers and hats or ran for cover.

The market square was wet, cold and uninviting. Streetlights were turned on and people huddled in their own bodies to try to keep warm and dry. Mummy and Sally quickly walked to the market and stepped around the puddles that had formed on the pavement. Other people had the same idea, and the market was busier than ever.

Mummy bought some groceries and decided that we should have a hot drink before we moved on. We sat at the tables in front of the bakery stand. Mummy ordered a hot cup of tea for us both. I was surprised when Mr Smallhorn brought us a cream bun each too. He said that the market had tried to make everyone inside comfortable and safe. Mummy thought it was a good idea. We were thankful for the tea and buns. Mummy explained that the tea and buns would provide energy as we had to go to the other side of town for an errand.

Not looking forward to going out in the rain again, Sally pulled her hood over her head. Mummy took Sally’s hand and they took short cuts down alley ways and through shopping arcades to try to keep out of the rain. At the bottom of town, they did need to walk along streets until they arrived at a large old building. Mummy and Sally stepped inside out of the rain. Mummy told Sally to take a seat whilst she carried out the errand.

Sally thought the dog looked cute and should be called Tutti. As they walked away, Sally said, “Bye Tutti!” The dog’s ears pricked up and then held its head to the side. Sally and Mummy walked away, but Tutti started to follow them. Mummy turned to Tutti and said, “Shoo, Shoo!” But Tutti kept following them. Sally said to Mummy,” It is not working, Tutti seems to be alone!” Mummy and Sally bent down to see if Tutti had a collar or some type of naming chip, but there was nothing. “What do we do?” asked Sally. The rain began to pour heavier than ever. “We had better take her with us!” Mummy said.

Mummy took a ribbon out of her hair and tied it around Tutti’s neck. We then walked with Tutti back through the streets and through the arcades to the bus. People stared at us when we waited for the bus. Tutti was very smelly but stood proud next to Mummy.

Mr Fitzgibbons opened the door of the bus for everyone to get on. “Oh, a new passenger!” he said. Mummy explained everything about Tutti and the whole bus heard the story. Mr Fitzgibbons suggested that Mummy go to the police and let them know about the missing dog. It would hopefully give a chance for the owner to be found. Mummy thought that was a good idea.

When Sally and Mummy arrived home, they thought that Tutti needed to be cleaned up. They took Tutti to the bathroom and ran a bath. They placed Tutti in the bath and gave her a good scrub. As the black dirt fell away from her body, a white fluffy coat appeared. Tutti’s eyes became wide and dark, and she licked her lips to remove the soap bubbles. Mummy took a big towel and wrapped it around Tutti. Tutti sighed.

Mummy sat Sally on the couch and placed Tutti in the towel on her lap. Sally cuddled Tutti and watched TV whilst Mummy prepared dinner. Daddy came home and was very surprised at seeing Tutti. Daddy went to say hello to Tutti but Tutti just growled. Daddy laughed and said he thought Tutti was hungry. Daddy said he had an idea and disappeared.