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A Dog Called Kitty cover
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A Dog Called Kitty

Bill Wallace (1984)

Genre

Children's / Young Adult

Reading Time

180 min

Key Themes

See below

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Haunted by a childhood dog attack, a young boy must conquer his deep-seated fear to save a starving, friendly stray puppy who might just become his most cherished companion.

Synopsis

Ricky, a young boy, has a deep fear of dogs because of a childhood attack. This fear is tested when a small, friendly stray puppy appears on his family's farm. Ricky first pushes the puppy away, but he soon notices the hungry pup attempting to eat with the cats, who refuse to share their food. Seeing the puppy's desperation, Ricky is torn between his fear and a growing sense of responsibility. He begins to secretly feed the puppy, naming it Kitty to keep his father from knowing it is a dog. His bond with the animal deepens. His secret is nearly discovered multiple times, making Ricky face his anxieties and trust the puppy. Eventually, Ricky's parents discover Kitty, leading to a talk where Ricky must explain his actions. Through this, Ricky's parents understand his struggle and the connection he has with Kitty. In the end, Ricky overcomes his fear, and Kitty is accepted into the family, becoming Ricky's beloved best friend.
Reading time
180 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Hopeful, Gentle
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy heartwarming stories about overcoming fears, the special bond between children and animals, and gentle narratives perfect for young readers.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer complex plots, dark themes, or stories without a clear, feel-good resolution.

Plot Summary

A Frightening Encounter and a Persistent Pup

Ten-year-old Ricky lives on a farm with his family. He has a deep fear of dogs from an attack when he was a baby. One afternoon, a small, scruffy stray puppy appears on their property. Ricky is scared and tries to scare the dog away, throwing rocks and yelling. But the puppy, unfazed and persistent, keeps returning. It wags its tail and tries to approach Ricky, who reacts with increasing panic. Ricky's mother sees the commotion and tries to reassure him, but Ricky's fear is too strong. The puppy, clearly hungry, stays around the barn, drawn by the smell of food, especially when Ricky's mother feeds their barn cats.

A Name and a Secret Feeding

The stray puppy, despite Ricky's attempts to drive it away, stays on the farm, getting weaker from lack of food. Ricky's mother notices the pup's condition and suggests they feed it, but Ricky refuses, citing his fear. However, Ricky starts to feel guilty and pity for the puppy as he watches it try, unsuccessfully, to eat with the cats. One evening, moved by compassion, Ricky sneaks out with a bowl of milk and some scraps to feed the starving pup. He names the dog 'Kitty,' partly to make fun of it and partly so his strict father, who dislikes stray animals, would not suspect it was a dog. This secret feeding becomes a nightly routine.

Kitty's Growing Bond and Ricky's Internal Conflict

As Ricky continues to secretly feed Kitty, the puppy grows stronger and more attached to him. Kitty starts following Ricky, wagging its tail and showing affection. Ricky, despite his fear, feels more drawn to the dog. He even starts playing with Kitty, cautiously, throwing sticks and watching the puppy chase them. However, his fear returns whenever Kitty gets too close or tries to lick his hand. Ricky's internal struggle intensifies; he wants to love Kitty, but the memory of the dog attack is a strong deterrent. He continues to keep Kitty's presence a secret from his father, fearing his disapproval and what he might do to the dog.

A Near Discovery and a Moment of Trust

One afternoon, Ricky's father almost discovers Kitty. The puppy, excited, barks when Mr. Miller approaches the barn. Ricky quickly distracts his father, keeping Kitty hidden. This close call makes Ricky feel a stronger need to protect Kitty. Later, Ricky has a bad dream about the dog attack, waking up in a cold sweat. Kitty, sensing his distress, whimpers and pushes its head into Ricky's hand. In a breakthrough moment, Ricky, still shaken, lets Kitty comfort him, stroking its head. This small act of trust is a significant step in overcoming his fear, as he realizes Kitty's gentle nature is different from the dog in his nightmare.

The Truth Revealed and a Test of Trust

Ricky's mother eventually discovers Kitty and the secret feeding. She is understanding and concerned for the dog's well-being, seeing Ricky's growing attachment. However, the bigger challenge is Ricky's father. Mr. Miller does not want stray animals on the farm. Ricky finally finds the courage to tell his father about Kitty. He explains how he has been feeding the dog and how Kitty has become his friend. Mr. Miller, at first stern, listens carefully. Ricky fears his father will tell him to get rid of Kitty, but he hopes his father will understand his change of heart and the bond he has formed.

Acceptance and a New Beginning

After hearing Ricky's plea, Mr. Miller, still reserved, observes Kitty's gentle nature and the clear affection the dog has for Ricky. He sees how much the dog means to his son and, after some thought, agrees to let Kitty stay. This decision brings Ricky immense relief and joy. With his father's acceptance, Ricky's last bits of fear disappear. He is now able to fully embrace Kitty as his pet and best friend. The story ends with Ricky and Kitty playing happily together, a symbol of Ricky's triumph over his fear and the strength of their companionship. Kitty, once a feared stray, has found a loving home and helped Ricky heal a deep emotional wound.

Principal Figures

Ricky

The Protagonist

Ricky transforms from a fearful and reclusive boy into a brave and compassionate one, overcoming his phobia to form a deep bond with Kitty.

Kitty

The Supporting

From a starving, unwanted stray, Kitty finds a loving home and helps heal its human companion.

Mom (Mrs. Miller)

The Supporting

She consistently supports Ricky's emotional growth and helps facilitate his bond with Kitty.

Dad (Mr. Miller)

The Supporting

He moves from a position of practicality and sternness to one of understanding and acceptance, recognizing the emotional needs of his son.

Themes & Insights

Overcoming Fear and Trauma

The main theme of the book is Ricky's journey to conquer his fear of dogs, which comes from a childhood trauma. His first reactions to Kitty are panic and hostility, showing how deeply his past affects him. The gradual process of secretly feeding and interacting with Kitty makes Ricky face his fear in small steps. The turning point is when Kitty comforts Ricky after a nightmare, showing him that not all dogs are a threat. This theme shows the power of empathy and the slow, steady process of healing from psychological wounds.

“The puppy whined and pushed its head into his hand. Ricky didn't pull away. He just lay there, stroking the soft fur, letting the warmth of the small body seep into him.”

— Narrator

Compassion and Empathy

Despite his fear, Ricky's compassion for the starving puppy makes him act. He cannot stand to see Kitty suffer, which leads him to secretly feed the dog. This act of empathy helps his personal growth, making him look beyond his own fear to another living creature's needs. His mother also shows this theme by understanding Ricky's struggle and supporting Kitty. The book suggests that compassion, even when it is personally uncomfortable, can lead to positive change, creating connections that heal.

“He just couldn't stand to see the little dog starve. He knew what it felt like to be hungry, but he couldn't imagine being that hungry.”

— Narrator

The Power of Friendship and Unconditional Love

The bond between Ricky and Kitty shows the power of friendship and unconditional love. Kitty's loyalty and gentle affection, despite Ricky's initial rejection, slowly lessen his fear. The puppy offers Ricky comfort, companionship, and a sense of responsibility. This friendship gives Ricky a safe space to re-evaluate his ideas about dogs and helps him heal from his trauma. The story emphasizes how a loving connection with an animal can provide emotional support and teach lessons about trust and acceptance.

“Kitty had become more than just a dog. He was a friend. The best friend Ricky had ever had.”

— Narrator

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Internal Conflict

Ricky's ongoing struggle between his fear of dogs and his burgeoning compassion for Kitty.

Ricky experiences significant internal conflict throughout the story. His deep-seated fear of dogs, stemming from a childhood attack, constantly battles against his innate empathy and growing affection for the stray puppy. This conflict is evident in his initial attempts to scare Kitty away, followed by his secret feedings and cautious interactions. The internal struggle is not just about the dog, but about Ricky confronting his own trauma and deciding whether to remain imprisoned by fear or to embrace the possibility of connection and healing. This device drives much of Ricky's character development and the emotional tension of the narrative.

Symbolism of 'Kitty'

The name 'Kitty' symbolizes Ricky's attempt to deny the dog's true nature and his own fear.

Ricky names the stray puppy 'Kitty' for several reasons. Primarily, it's a way for him to keep the dog's presence a secret from his father, who might disapprove of a stray dog. More profoundly, 'Kitty' symbolizes Ricky's initial denial of the animal being a dog, and thus, a threat. By calling it a cat, he subconsciously tries to reduce his own fear. As his bond with the animal grows and his fear diminishes, the name 'Kitty' paradoxically comes to represent the unique and gentle nature of this particular dog, transcending its species and becoming a term of endearment that marks his acceptance.

The Dream Sequence

A vivid nightmare that brings Ricky's trauma to the surface, leading to a breakthrough in his relationship with Kitty.

The dream sequence where Ricky relives the traumatic dog attack serves as a crucial plot device. It vividly portrays the depth of his fear and the lingering impact of his past. However, its significance lies in what immediately follows: Kitty's presence and comforting actions. The stark contrast between the menacing dog in his dream and Kitty's gentle, reassuring presence in reality allows Ricky to experience a moment of profound realization. This device acts as a catalyst, enabling Ricky to finally distinguish between his past trauma and the reality of Kitty's loving nature, paving the way for complete trust and healing.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“I was afraid of dogs. All dogs. Big ones, little ones, fat ones, skinny ones. I was afraid of them all.”

— Ricky's initial fear of dogs at the start of the story.

“He wasn't a dog. He was a friend.”

— Ricky realizing his bond with Kitty after overcoming his fear.

“Sometimes you have to face your fears to find your best friend.”

— A lesson Ricky learns through his experience with Kitty.

“I didn't know a dog could be so gentle.”

— Ricky's surprise at Kitty's behavior when they first interact positively.

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”

— Ricky reflecting on Kitty's brave actions during a critical moment.

“Love doesn't care if you're scared. It just is.”

— Ricky understanding his growing affection for Kitty despite his fears.

“A name is just a name. What matters is what's in the heart.”

— Ricky defending his choice to name a dog 'Kitty' to others.

“He saved me more than I saved him.”

— Ricky acknowledging how Kitty helped him overcome his phobia.

“Fear is a wall you build yourself. Friendship is the door.”

— Ricky's realization about overcoming his fear through connection.

“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone in.”

— Ricky allowing himself to trust and love Kitty.

“A dog's love is unconditional. It doesn't judge your fears.”

— Ricky reflecting on Kitty's acceptance of him.

“I thought I was rescuing him, but he was rescuing me all along.”

— Ricky's final understanding of his relationship with Kitty.

“The smallest paw prints leave the biggest marks on your heart.”

— Ricky expressing the lasting impact Kitty had on his life.

“Courage isn't the absence of fear. It's facing it with a friend by your side.”

— Ricky learning what true courage means through his bond with Kitty.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

The story follows Ricky, a boy who was attacked by a dog as a baby and now fears all dogs. When a stray puppy appears on his family's farm, Ricky initially rejects it, but the persistent puppy slowly starves because the farm cats won't share their food. Ricky must overcome his deep-seated fear to save the puppy's life, potentially gaining his first true friend in the process.

About the author

Bill Wallace

Bill Wallace

Bill Wallace was a prolific author of children's adventure novels, often featuring horses and dogs. His most popular works include "A Dog Called Kitty" and "Danger in Quicksand Swamp," which resonated with young readers for their engaging plots and relatable characters. Wallace's accessible writing style made him a beloved figure in children's literature.