Alex and his dog Patch are out for a walk when the boy discovers a little toy mouse dressed in a red vest. He falls in love with the tiny creature -- promptly named Reggie -- and takes it home. Soon, "lost mouse" signs appear in Alex's neighborhood, but he ignores them -- after all, anyone who could lose such an adorable thing must deserve to lose it. His friend Brian tries to convince him to return the mouse to its heartbroken owner, but Alex won't hear of it. The boys quarrel, and poor Patch ends up in the middle. Brian storms off -- and so does the jealous Patch. When Alex calls the dog to his supper, the gate is open and Patch is gone. Alex and his parents search the neighborhood, but no Patch. They put up flyers, but still no Patch. Whoever's found a beloved pet like Patch wouldn't just keep him . . . would they? Alex's struggle to overcome selfishness rings true with young readers.