No More Dead Dogs

No More Dead Dogs centers around the fictional novel Old Shep, My Pal by fictional author Zack Paris. Old Shep, My Pal tells the story of four kids who find an injured dog. They nurse the animal, only to have it die at the end of the book. The title of Korman’s novel nods to how dogs often die at the end of award-winning books for children. The kids compare Old Shep, My Pal to such classics as Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls and Old Yeller by Fred Gipson. Old Shep, My Pal is a symbol of antiquated ways of thinking, while Wallace’s version of the play reveals the need for change in literature. Changing Shep’s story is a catalyst for character growth throughout the novel, including the growth of antiquated-thinker, Mr. Fogelman.

The play version of Old Shep, My Pal is a form of protest to dogs that die in literature. Mr. Fogelman’s version of the play follows the historical and somber tone of the story. The characters speak in an outdated manner, and the kids learn to love Old Shep in time for the dog to die. Wallace’s suggestion to let Old Shep live resonates with the drama kids.