The Tierney’s stayed for a lovely evening but, to our surprise, when they left, they forgot to take BASIL. Since they lived 13 miles away, they decided it would be best to leave BASIL FOR A SLEEPOVER. Everyone settled in for the night – Mom, Robert, RIZZ and Grandma. BASIL couldn’t get comfortable so he curled himself in his bed right next to Robert and RIZZ.  Mom thought, “I hope this is ok with the pedigree pup and the frog in the same room” and then she fell asleep.

The next morning, mom woke up to say good morning to RIZZ and HE WAS GONE! She looked everywhere but she could not find him. She didn’t want to tell Robert that RIZZ was missing but what could she do? She had searched the entire house. Then, she looked at BASIL and asked “BASILBOY, HAVE YOU SEEN RIZZ?” All BASIL did was wag his tail and lick his lips. Oh no! Could basil have eaten RIZZ? Would a fine pedigree pup such as this one actually find a frog tasty? After all, this dog dined on fine fare and the taste of crickets would not be to his liking.  When Robert woke up, mom had to tell him that RIZZ was missing. Again, they searched the entire house. No RIZZ. Robert was very sad. While Robert was at camp, Grandma returned BASIL to the Tierney’s. Robert and his mom would call them every night asking “IS BASIL CROAKING YET?” They just laughed. They didn’t realize how heartbroken Robert was. He really didn’t think that BASIL ate his frog. Maybe RIZZ and BASIL were playing and somehow RIZZ got lost.  Maybe BASIL helped RIZZ out of his cage to visit his girlfriend (frogs are nocturnal). Maybe RIZZ went down the lane to find his own rickets. After 5 days, they gave up.  Then, one evening when Robert was walking down the hall, he saw RIZZ!  “‘MOM, MOM, COME QUICK’ he cried ‘RIZZ IS BACK”!  He was standing on the floor air-conditioning grate and he looked very forlorn. His big, beautiful, bulging eyes seem to tell us he wasn’t very happy where he had been.  He appeared rather thin because he hadn’t had any water in days, He did, however, look fairly nourished. He must have feasted on spiders rather than crickets because Granma’s house is filled with spiders!  Robert asked RIZZ “Where have you been?” RIZZ seemed to smile back at him and say to himself – ‘IF YOU ONLY KNEW, YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE IT”

So, we never did find out where RIZZ was for those 5 days but we all were very happy to see him. In fact, when we called The Tierney’s to tell them the news, BASILGOTSO EXCITED, HE PERFORMED HIS MAGIC TRICK ON THE CARPET!

Now, Robert and RIZZ live inRockville Centre. RIZZ sleeps in his habitat next to Robert’s goldfish named Finney and his three Molly fish. They all get along perfectly. Robert’s friends and classmate’s come to have play dates with Robert and RIZZ. Something must have happened that night because now when RIZZ get excited to see Robert’s friends, he copies BASIL’S trick and performs on the carpet!

Who would ever believe that a pedigree pup couch teach a frog tricks?

THE END

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