As the episode opens, Grungetta is playing with her Rottendoodle, Itchy -- a flea-ridden grouch dog that does absolutely nothing she asks it to do. Oscar asks where he can get a Rottendoodle of his own. Grungetta calls the breeder.

Mr. Blechstein, the breeder, makes sure that Oscar will provide a grouchy home for his new Rottendoodle. Blechstein gives Oscar a book about pet care and the leash to his new pet, Cranky.

Cranky greets Grungetta's dog, and tries to lick him clean. Annoyed, Grungetta takes her dog home.

Oscar looks through the pet care book, and orders Cranky to sit and fetch. To his surprise, she obeys, and then gives Oscar a kiss!

Bob walks by, and Cranky quickly smothers him with kisses. Bob is delighted. To Oscar's dismay, his pet starts helping everyone on Sesame Street, fetching Bob's glasses and rescuing Elmo when his tricycle rolls out of control!

When Grungetta returns, she's astonished to find that Oscar's pet is helpful, loving, clean, and obedient. She suggests that Cranky is sick, and Oscar decides to bring his dog to Gina's veterinary practice.

In Gina's office, Cranky receives a clean bill of health, and even helps cure an ailing Henrietta. Oscar is surprised, but Gina lets him know that dogs aren't always what they're expected to be. Oscar considers the prospect of giving his pet away, but then reconsiders. He sings "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Fur", against a montage of flashbacks.

Gina returns with Mrs. Dogooder, who's interested in adopting Oscar's pet -- but Oscar lets her know that Cranky isn't for sale. Although the dog is helpful, loving, clean, and obedient, she's also annoying -- a grouch's dream come true!

A child in a classroom draws a picture of her dog Puck, and goes over the care required to keep a pet. A Bert and Baby Fozzie plush can be seen in the little girl's bedroom.
(EKA: Episode 3120)

As Elmo and Zoe watch Luis play guitar, Enzo and Sophie walk by speaking Spanish. Elmo and Zoe want to play with them, but are nervous. Luis reassures them and sings "Just Tell Them Your Name."

Insect interaction

The Letter of the Day: S
Cookie Monster and Super Grover present the Letter of the Day. Grover has Cookie Monster place the letter cookie in a basket, as part of his "super" plan. His plan soon backfires, however, when Cookie Monster pulls down and eats the basket, promptly sending Grover skywards.
(EKA: Episode 4028)

S, for square.
(EKA: Episode 3314)

The word "Subway" rides the MBTA subway.

Dancing with my family
(EKA: Episode 3874)

Elmo asks Alicia Keys to dance. She agrees and sings "I Keep on Dancing Again," a take-off of "Fallin'."
(First: Episode 4108)

Everybody dance now! Kids in all sorts of situations and locales dance.

Ernie and Bert: A dog is barking outside, prompting Ernie to sing "I Heard My Dog Bark". A horde of animals accompany Ernie as he works his way through the song, leaving Bert only to try convincing himself that he's dreaming.

"This is the Game Today"

What is it? A leopard!
(EKA: Episode 4110)

Global Grover: G'day! Grover returns from Australia. In his film, Emily and her family fulfill the role of wildlife rescue volunteers.
Afterwards, Grover looks for an animal he can assist and rescue. All the animals rebuff him, however, and he collapses from frustration. Soon, he finds himself the one being rescued!

The Number of the Day: A remake of the Number Song Series brings forth 5.

Muppet & Kid Moments:
The Count interviews Aaron, a five-year-old boy, and counts his five fingers.

5s are found in an icy environment.
(EKA: Episode 3958)

2, 3, or 5 flowers grow on city steps.

Elmo's World: Pets
(First: Episode 3918)

The Adventures of Trash Gordon
Chapter 692
On the Planet Spaghetti, Trash fends off a meatball with a sneeze.