nce upon a time, a small, brown dog lived in a card shop in the Falls Shopping Mall in Miami, Florida.  He sat on a shelf with many other stuffed animals.  But he was lonely!  He wanted a real home with real people who would think that he’s special.

n November 4, 2006, Mrs. Vettel saw this soft, cuddly, and lovable dog when she was shopping with a friend.  She knew that the dog was just right for her first graders to share and care for.  Mrs. Vettel bought the dog and took him to school.  She gave him his own Sunset Park school bag.  Now, he could start having adventures right away.  The class named him Cutie.

rs. Vettel found that Cutie, the Dog, likes to eat dog biscuits and, of course, dog treats.  He likes lots of hugs, too!  When it’s your turn to have Cutie for a visit, see what you can find out about him.  Make sure that he has some adventures and is safely cared for.

e sure to write (or have your mother and/or father help you to write) about what you and Cutie do together on a page in his book.  If anyone has a special event coming up (such as a trip to the hospital, being in a wedding, a special trip, or anything scary or exciting) be sure to ask for Cutie so he can be there with you when you need him.

He will need to learn:

• good manners
• how to read
• not to interrupt
• not to watch too much T.V.
• to keep secrets
• how to share and wait for his turn
• not to eat too much junk food.

P.S. He loves to have his picture taken and some of his pictures may end up on this website!

Please return Cutie to school on the next school day so that others may share some adventures with him, too!