In the dark, a creature prowled, drool dripped, eyes glowed.

Of course, it was Tuffy. Tuffy the BIG, BAD, TOUGH dog!

Tuffy was tough.

Oh, how well EVERYONE knew.

When Tuffy came, they hid.

When Tuffy talked, they listened.

When Tuffy left, they cheered.

However, the other dogs understood Tuffy had to be tough, because he was the only dog in town without an owner.

But what everyone didn't know was Tuffy took lessons on being tough from Rosco.

Rosco was an old, big bad dog who lived in the junkyard.

Everyday, Tuffy would go to Rosco's and learn how to be tough.

Rosco taught Tuffy how to:

LOOK tough

SOUND tough and

BE TOUGH

One day something was different in the neighborhood. There was a new dog.

The house on the far end with flowers and a sweet owner had a new dog named Frisky. Frisky was a tiny dog, light gray and furry.

Not even in town for a week, Frisky was already starting drama. It was a sunny day, like usual Tuffy was making his rounds, when Frisky approached him.

And everyone knew you never approach Tuffy.

But he did anyway, and he said:

"Who are you? You suppose to be tough? Ha, I'm tougher than you!

Tuffy was surprise and laughed.

That's when Frisky did what no other dog would have dared to do. He challenged Tuffy.

" Tuffy I challenge you.

Tomorrow night.

Just me and you.

Let's see who's really the toughest."

After a short moment of hesitation, Tuffy replied, "Bet"

" Frisky was small and furry with sweet owners. It was no way he could beat me," thought Tuffy.

But Tuffy practiced anyways.

All that next day Tuffy and Rosco practiced being tough. Rosco taught Tuffy every tough move he knew. With Rosco's knowledge, Tuffy was sure he would win.

It was the night of the competition. Frisky and Tuffy both stood across from each other, while the neighborhood dogs watched frightfully nearby.

Frisky and Tuffy went at it. Barking and growling, until finally the winner was decided.

"And the winner is Frisky!"

All the dogs cheered. Everyone was so happy for Frisky that they didn't notice Tuffy walk away.

Tuffy was confused. He knew he was tough. He had even practiced being tough, but he still lost. This made Tuffy really upset.