Once upon a time, a boy named Nello lived with his grandfather in Flanders, in Northern Belgium.

One day, a merchant was beating an exhausted dog in the street.

You will make me late for the market, and I will lose money! Hmph!

What are you doing now!? Get up at once! At once, I say!

Finally the merchant realized the dog was too weak to go on and left him out in the street to die.

At that moment, Nello saw him lying there.

Oh, Grandpa, look at that poor dog. Come quick!

What is it? Oh…

Look, he is still alive. Poor thing…

Let’s take him home, Nello.

OK.

Nello took the dog home and named him Patrasche.

The house was poor and humble, but to Patrasche it was heaven.

To me, Patrasche!

Woof!

Hey, that tickles! Oh, Grandpa! You’re home!

Woof! Woof!

Nello’s grandfather delivered milk for a living, and they could barely make ends meet.

They were very poor, but they were happy together.

By the time Nello had turned six,

his Grandfather was too weak to work and couldn’t get out of bed.

Oh...

Cough.. Cough..

It’s okay, Grandpa. I can deliver the milk from now on.

You can’t…you’re only six…you’re too young…

I’ll be alright. I have Patrasche to help me. We will deliver the milk together, right Patrasche?

Woof!

Ha ha! See? Ha ha ha!

Milk! Your milk is here!

Thank you!

Milk!! Your milk is here. Thank you!!! Ha ha ha.

All this time, he had a dream that he carried in his heart.

Some day, I will be a great painter, just like Rubens.

Woof!

But he did not lose faith in his dream.

Aren’t you finished yet?

Listen, Nello, my father will come looking for me soon.

Alright…just a couple of minutes…

What are you doing here?!

Haven’t I forbid you to talk to that little pauper!?

Hmph! He won’t be anything if he makes worthless paintings like that!

Huh...?

Oh Nello, I wish I could see you, but I must obey my father.

I was so happy playing with you and Patrasche and our time together feels like a dream now..

I will win this competition, Aloise, and your father will acknowledge me…

Grandpa!

I’m so sorry…I wish I could be stronger…

If I win this competition and get a prize, I will be able to buy you medicine.

You will get better right away!

Nello...

Patrasche, are you cold?

Woof!

Thank you! Cheer up Patrasche, only two more places to go!

Fire, fire!!

Oh.. Aloise!!

Although no one was hurt in the fire, Aloise’s father spotted Nello in the crowd.

You again!! Didn’t I tell you to stay away from my daughter!?

Yes..but…I was worried about Aloise..

You tried to burn down my house and kill me because I forbid you to see my daughter!

Silence! Arrest him at once! He started the fire!

Errr...

Nello was released soon because no evidence was found against him,

Sorry, Patrasche!

You are right Patrasche! Why should I cry when I still have you and Grandpa?

I mustn’t let Grandpa know I’ve been crying.

Woof!

Grandpa, we’re back! I’m sorry I was delayed!

Oh…Grandpa! Grandpa!

You can’t die! You can’t leave us alone! Grandpa!!!

But his Grandfather’s body was already cold and he couldn’t hear Nello’s cries.

As he carried his Grandfather’s coffin alone, no one came to console him.

but they didn’t want to anger Aloise’s father by helping him.

Poor boy..

Poor boy..

Soon the day came when the winner of the painting competition would be announced.

Nello and patrashce went to the church.

Please...

The first prize winner is….

The winning painting was much larger and brighter than Nello’s. He had lost.

After the death of his Grandfather, Nello was thrown out into the street and had nowhere to go.

I’m so sorry Patrasche…I have nothing to give you…

Woof!...Woof!

What is it? Patrasche??

Oh…What’s that….gold coins!

Someone must have lost these… They must be very worried….

Woof!

Nello looked where Patrsche pointed and saw the name of Aloise’s father on the purse.

Oh, Nello!!

I wanted to give it back to the rightful owner.

Oh…my…

Thank you, Nello. Come in. It’s cold outside.

Oh, no. I’ll be alright.

Aloise, I have a favor to ask… I have…nowhere to go in the village.

Could you please take care of Patrasche?

Oh, Nello…

Thank you, Aloise…

Nello! Nello!!!

Woof! Woof!

He cried all night and scratched at the door. All he wanted was to be with Nello again.

He got out and followed Nello’s scent all the way to the church.

Woof! Woof!

Oh, Patrasche!

Woof!

Why did you follow me? Why…

The cold, dark night passed and morning dawned on the village.

Oh…isn’t that…

Let’s see…

Oh no, Nello!

Oh no, Nello!

Aloise rushed to Nello and Patrasche and tried to wake them,

Everyone was deeply moved and saddened by their tragic and pointless deaths.

Suddenly, a painter said:

Oh, isn’t this that boy from the painting competition!?

I was very impressed with his work…

I have been looking for him to take him on as a student!!

Forgive me, Nello!

I am so sorry!

Nello...

The people gathered around the bodies of Nello and Patrasche,

who would never wake again, and prayed that their souls would rest in peace.