Overview

Ernie lost his puppy and found his new daddy.

I have one rule: Pup-Pup stays home.

My sweet stuffed puppy is my most treasured gift. The ER doctor who treated me after my accident told me that when things felt impossible, I should hold him close and remember I was strong and brave. Pup-Pup has been my lifeline ever since, worn soft from years of desperate hugs.

I was transferred that night and never saw him again. But I never forgot his soft smile, his kind eyes, his calm, supportive voice…or the way he made me feel safe.

Today, I break my rule and bring Pup-Pup to a job interview. I need to remember I’m strong and brave and that I can do this. And it works. It’s my best interview yet. I celebrate with a fancy coffee in the park…where a real dog steals him from my open bag.

I’ve had nightmares like this where Pup-Pup is gone, leaving me all alone. Only this isn’t a nightmare—it’s more of a dream come true when the dog’s owner brings him back.

It’s him.

The doctor who once placed Pup-Pup in my hands is now returning him. And he’s not looking at me like a patient anymore. He’s looking at me like a man.