Solly Lost His Wagon

Solly couldn’t find his wagon.
It wasn’t out the front
or back
It wasn’t in the shed.
How can you lose your wagon
when it’s painted shiny red?

He thought he had it yesterday.
At the place he liked the best
over at the swings and slide
That must be where he left it.

Solly went down to the swings and slide
And there was his red wagon
Exactly where he left it
But

There was something very big in it.
Something big and odd
Something big with furry ears
That Something was a dog.

Solly said hello to him
He didn’t wag his tail
He sat very still and quiet
My name is Solly.
Sniff my hand.
The dog sniffed and looked at him.
He sat very still and quiet.

Are you lost?
Are you waiting for someone?
The dog sat still and quiet.

Solly climbed up and slid down
The slide six times or maybe more.
Then on the swings
He swung back and forth
He counted to thirty four.

Solly wanted to go home for lunch.
Do you want to come to my house?
The dog stayed still and quiet.

Solly pulled the wagon
up the street
to his front door
The dog sat still and quiet.

Mum, I brought a friend for lunch
I don’t know his name, or what he eats,
Or where he lives.
I think he’s lost.
The dog stayed still and quiet.

Solly’s Mum said
We can help.
Let’s eat lunch outside.
Solly pulled the wagon around to back
And parked beside the picnic table.
The dog stayed still and quiet.

Solly’s Mum brought out some lunch
For Solly and his friend.
She checked the dog’s collar
Hurray, he’s got a tag.
We can find out where he lives
And we can take this doggie home.

She phoned
The Dog License OfficeShe gave them the tag number of the lost dog
They said
One moment please......

A long time passed
Hello, there is a problem.
The dog’s name is Garibaldi
And his owner’s name is Walter.
Walter went to the hospital
Now he lives in
Wyndham Manor

Solly’s Mum said thank you.
We’ll take Garibaldi to Walter.
After lunch they walked
Up the hill to Wyndham Manor
Taking turns to pull the wagon.
The dog sat still and quiet.

They pulled the wagon up the drive
Solly’s Mum stepped inside
Garibaldi sniffed the air
Solly stood beside him.

In a minute Solly’s Mum came out
She said they’re glad we’re here
Walter needs a visitor
And with Garibaldi he has three!

They walked down a long quiet hall
People there were curious
To see A Great Big Dog
in a little red wagon.
Where are you going?
Can we come, too?
They followed along
And came to visit Walter too.

By the time they got to Walter’s room
There were fourteen people following.
Solly’s Mum knocked on his door.
We brought you Garibaldi.
May we come in?

Come in. Come in.
Garibaldi jumped out of the wagon
and ran inside the room.
Walter sat up in bed
And held out his arms
Garibaldi licked his face
And wagged his tail
Walter grinned and sighed.
I am so happy
So very very happy
Thank you for finding my Garibaldi

Everyone in the hallway
Took a turn to see
Walter and his great big dog
The grinning Garibaldi

Walter asked who found him
And Solly told the tale
Of looking for his wagon and
finding a big dog in it
He took him home for lunch.
His Mum called
the dog tag people
Who figured out
Garibaldi’s name
And your name, Walter,
And where to find you.
We walked here and
Garibaldi rode in my wagon.

Walter said to Solly
You can call me Wally

Walter turned to Solly’s Mum.
Thank you.
There is something special I need to ask.
Could you please look after Garibaldi
And bring him to visit me?

Solly’s Mum said
Yes.
We would be happy to look after Garibaldi
and Yes
We will bring him to visit you every day.

Everybody in the hallway cheered.
Garibaldi is coming to visit us every day!

Solly and Wally are friends now.
They play with the dog.
Wally is teaching Solly how to tell Garibaldi to
sit,
and stay,
and shake hands
and roll over
And to come when he is called.

Solly brings Garibaldi to visit every day.
First, they visit Wally.
Then they visit everybody in the hall
Who wants a visitor
Named Garibaldi.