The passing-out parade went perfectly. All the recruits were officially made police dogs, ready for immediate duty. The professor sat proudly in the front row, surrounded by uniformed police officers all eager to be paired up with these heroic dogs.

The chief was standing on a stage that had little walkways up and down for the dogs. Each dog shook their paw with the chief before making their way back to the group. After the hundred dogs had been welcomed to the police force with rapturous applause, the chief turned her attention to an even more special group.

She beamed as she announced, “Now it is time for me to award the highest honour that can be bestowed on a police dog. These dogs used to be known as the Lost Patrol…”

As she continued her speech, the three dogs looked ill at ease.

“We don’t deserve any medals. I’m a coward,” said Scarper.

“And I’m lazy,” added Gristle.

“And I’m the silly one, aren’t I?” asked Plank. “I never can remember.”

Ratty leaped off Robodog’s back and addressed them one by one: “You are none of those things. Scarper, you showed great bravery out there. You fought Pavarotti, the biggest, baddest cat of them all. Nothing cowardly about that. You, Gristle, there is nothing lazy about making a death-defying leap to defend your friend. And as for you, Plank, you were the one who told the baddies that the only way they could settle their arguments was with a fight. Which meant we didn’t have to fight them! How smart is that?”

“Well said, Ratty!” agreed Robodog. “Enjoy your medals! You have earned them.”

Meanwhile, the chief was coming to the end of her speech. “So please join me in welcoming to the stage the no-longer Lost Patrol, but three shining examples of bravery, dedication and intelligence: Scarper, Gristle and Plank!”

The dogs smiled over at Robodog and Ratty as gold medals were placed round their necks.

“Now it is time for our newest recruit, and the creation of my brilliant and beautiful wife, the professor, to come to the stage to officially be made a police dog. Please be upstanding for Robodog…”

All those in the parade ground took to their feet to give this heroic robot the ovation he deserved.

“Robodog?” called out the chief. “ROBODOG?”

But the robot was nowhere to be seen.

“Ratty?” called out the chief. “Where has he gone?”

But all the rat could do was shrug. “Search me!”