The boy in the story has always had Elfie, his dog, but as he grows taller, Elfie grows old and round. The boy has to carry Elfie up the stairs to bed each night, and he always tells her he loves her. When she dies in her sleep one night, he is very sad, but takes comfort in the fact that he has told her he loves her, and he is sure she has understood. A gentle story about the acceptance of death, but perhaps care should be taken in using it with a child who has just lost a pet. If the child has not told the pet it is loved, he or she could feel guilty. Could be very useful for a child with an old pet, as preparation for the inevitable.