A family sees a dog in their garden when they move into their new home. While the dog accepts food and a blanket, he pretty much remains where he is. The narrator's younger brother, Ogden, energetically tries many ways to welcome the dog into their home. The narrator is more laid-back in his approach to the problem of how to engage the dog.

SPOILER: The narrator finally decides the dog is waiting for his name. Ogden's suggestion does make the dog move, but not in the right direction. The story ends, surprisingly for a children's book, without a solution. The dog halts his departure, but is still nameless.

The story is very matter-of-factly told and satisfying in its lack of a resolution: some things are unknowable. The pictures are in color, but definitely Gorey-esque. ( )