Saving Winslow

After the animal control officer leaves, Louie stews in angry disbelief that the man could demand that they get rid of Winslow. When the donkey brays, Mrs. Tooley shouts for them to quiet Winslow. Irate, Louie yells back to her to “shut [her] baby up” (128). Louie’s dad tries to calm him, but Louie continues to rant about how terrible people are.

Later, another car arrives. For a moment, Louie worries that the woman who emerges from it brings bad news about Gus. When she approaches the house, he sees a badge indicating the Board of Health. She asks about a donkey and then declares that it is a health hazard to have Winslow there, listing off all that could be wrong with the animal. Winslow brays, Mrs. Tooley screams, and the Board of Health woman speaks with Louie’s parents. Louie tries to give her the benefit of the doubt, noting that she is only doing her job. However, he is frustrated that she did not even look at Winslow. He vows never to be cruel or dismissive of animals.