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Dogs are loyal, smart, and oh so adorable. They are deservedly man’s best friend and teach us valuable lessons about love and life. In honor of National Dog Day, we look at five of the best and most under-appreciated dogs in fiction.
Though there are many loyal animals and pets in fiction, these dogs are a step above the rest. These five include Snowy from The Adventures Of Tin Tin, Snoopy from The Peanuts, Lassie Lassie Come Home, Fly from Babe, and Moro from Princess Mononoke. These dogs are not just stalwart companions, they are characters with just as much depth, love, and importance as their human counterparts.
Snowy From “The Adventures Of Tin Tin”
Snowy may not be able to talk but he expresses his intelligence and attitude in other ways. A well-timed whine or cock on his head helps Tin Tin and Captain Haddock navigate their adventures.
Snowy keeps his head on a swivel and is often overlooked by various villains. This ability to be innocuous yet still capable enough to help his friends makes the wire Fox terrier invaluable as a companion. However, Snowy is not all work and helping paws. He enjoys traveling and daring adventures just as much as Tin Tin and Haddock. Even in the face of danger and peril, Snowy finds ways to make his friends laugh and cherish him as a valuable team member.
Snoopy From “The Peanuts”
Snoopy is a comic strip icon and Charlie Brown’s beagle. His imagination encourages us to pursue our goals no matter how far fetched they might seem. Whether flying his doghouse after the Red Baron, writing “world-famous” stories, or just chilling as “Joe Cool,” Snoopy’s confidence allows him to truly enjoy life.
Even Charlie Brown’s melancholy spirit does not dampen Snoopy’s fortitude. Without Snoopy’s positive example, Charlie Brown’s propensity for gloom might send him down a dark path. Though sometimes antagonistic, Snoopy helps show both Charlie Brown and the reader how to live life without worrying about what other people think.
Fly From “Babe”
Fly’s intelligence and motherly care for Babe saves him from becoming dinner. Her willingness to take on a misfit and teach him along with her own children reminds us of how dogs often teach us humanity better than most humans. Fly has an incredible work ethic, working tirelessly to care for the sheep she herds and the other farm animals she considers family.
Throughout the film, Fly learns a kinder way to herd while teaching Babe her tricks to make Farmer Hoggett give them a satisfying “that’ll do.” Fly teaches us that as we go through life, we can keep our eyes on our goals while still keeping an open mind.
Lassie From “Lassie”
It would be remiss not to mention one of the most famous dogs in fiction. Lassie captured the hearts of readers in the novel Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight. Her devotion to Joe proves how much dogs give to us in regards to companionship and emotional support. Lassie does not care about Carraclough’s financial status.
She stops at nothing to be there for her family. Even when she is poorly treated during her trek back to Joe, she does not become bitter or angry towards humans. Both the book and the film introduce many to the joys of dog ownership and how important even the smallest of kindness can be.
Moro from “Princess Mononoke”
Moro is a bit different from the other dogs on this list as she is a wolf-god and ultra wary of humans. She is still extremely loyal, however, her steadfastness is towards the forest and its Spirit. She demonstrates how dogs and wolves have an intuitive ability to judge a person’s character.
Moro does not blindly follow those who flatter her or appear harmless. She uses her wisdom and experience to protect those she loves and her story encourages us to be good stewards of nature.
Dogs In Our Real Lives
These five dogs make us remember our own furry friends. Even if you don’t own a dog of your own, the canines we encounter often bring us light and joy. Their unconditional love and different personalities keep us company through the ups and downs of life. Though we might make mistakes, our dogs love us for the good they see in us and the love we give them.
National Dog Day gives us the chance to give an extra scratch behind the ear and say thank you for everything dogs give us.