For the rest of the day, Daisy and Kaleem tried to find a home for Scamp. They knocked on every door in the neighborhood. Many of the neighbors knew Scamp and liked him. But nobody would adopt him.
"I'm sorry, but my cats wouldn't approve," a man said.
A pair of cats stared out from behind him. "Right," one said. "We don't like dogs."
Daisy wanted to tell the cats that Scamp was nice. But she couldn't do it in front of their owner. Besides, how would she convince the owner without giving away her secret?
"I wish I could tell people that I can talk to animals," she said as they walked away from the house. "Maybe then they'd understand how upset Scamp is and adopt him."
"What? No!" Beatrice sounded alarmed. "You can't tell anyone, Daisy! Besides, you know how adults are. They'll think you're playing a silly game and never believe you."
Daisy sighed. Beatrice was so confusing sometimes. But right now she had a bigger problem to solve. "Kaleem, let's try the next house."
By Sunday, they still hadn't found a home for Scamp. Daisy and Kaleem met in her backyard after breakfast.
"I don't know what to do," she said. "Poor Scamp! I guess he's going with the rescue group tomorrow."
Beatrice buzzed over. "You can't give up, Daisy. Keep thinking. Time is running out!"
"Let's visit Mrs. Ortiz in the hospital," Kaleem said. "Maybe she'll have some ideas."
Kaleem's dad dropped them off at the hospital. He was going to park the car and wait for them.
"You're Grace's friends!" Mrs. Ortiz said when the kids entered. "Thank you for looking after Scamp."
"We've been trying to find a home for him." Daisy told Mrs. Ortiz about talking to Grace's parents and the neighbors.
Mrs. Ortiz looked sad. "I wish I could keep him, even though he'll be happier with someone younger. I was hoping Grace would adopt him. But Scamp can't be around those fish. And that tank is already a lot of work."
"We were hoping that too," Daisy said.
Mrs. Ortiz sighed. "I'm sorry for the stress this will cause him. And I must admit, I'm feeling a little sorry for myself too."
"You mean because you'll miss Scamp?" Kaleem asked.
The old woman nodded. "Yes. I've always had an animal or two around. I'm looking forward to seeing more of my grandkids. But they'll be at school all day, and their parents will be at work. I'm afraid I'll be terribly bored in that condo by myself." She glanced toward the window. "I suppose I'll have to settle for bird-watching. But that's not the same as being able to fuss over a pet of your own. I like taking care of something. Maybe I'll get some fish."
Daisy gasped. "No!"
Kaleem looked surprised. "What do you have against fish?"
"It's not that. I have an even better idea." Daisy smiled at Mrs. Ortiz. "We have to go now. But I'm hoping I'll be back soon with good news!"