The One and Only Bob

“Look, nobody’s ever accused me of being a good dog.”

The opening sentence of the novel establishes Bob’s cheeky and roguish charm. Bob’s naughtiness is part of his appeal, and he values this trait as an important part of his identity. The fact that he compares “being a good dog” to a crime (of which one might accuse him) introduces a light-hearted and comical tone.

“Way I’ve always figured it, end of the day, you gotta be your own best friend. Look out for numero uno. Learned that the hard way.”

This pronouncement reveals Bob’s self-centered and self-interested approach to life. His comment—that he learned this lesson “the hard way” (6)—alludes to his traumatic abandonment. This cues the reader that Bob had to fend for himself in challenging circumstances, which will be detailed later.

“Man’s best friend? No way.”

Bob is open about his skepticism and mistrust of humans. He rejects the “man’s best friend” epithet because he was cruelly to die by the “man” who was supposed to love him and keep him safe. This trauma affects Bob’s outlook significantly, and it takes significant time and soul-searching for him to trust his next human family.