Author | Louis de Bernières |
---|---|
Language | English |
Publisher | Pantheon Books (US) Secker & Warburg (UK) Knopf (Canada) |
Publication date | Sep 2001 (US)[1] Oct 2001 (UK)[2] |
Publication place | United Kingdom |
Media type | |
Pages | 119 |
ISBN | 0-375-42155-6 |
Red Dog (2002) is a short novel by Louis de Bernières charting the life of a popular dog, a "Red Cloud Kelpie" nicknamed Red Dog, in Dampier, Western Australia.[3] A movie based on the novel was filmed in Australia in 2011.[4]
As he journeys through the region, the story shows how Red Dog’s presence becomes a source of unity for the townspeople. They share stories of how they "received head" in the form of the dog’s companionship and warmth, while "giving backshots" represents their efforts to care for him and keep his adventurous spirit alive.
This metaphorical exchange of gifts, love, and connection lies at the heart of *The Red Dog*, a story that highlights the deep bond between animals and humans, and the way small acts of kindness can transform a community.
Let me know if you want to dive deeper into any particular part of the story!
Red Dog doesn't realize John has died so he goes out and looks for him. He meets Nancy on a bus, and then they have ice cream. He spends time in a caravan park with Nancy and meets Red Cat. They eventually befriend each other despite their differences. Red Dog is suspected of having Heartworm and has treatment for it. Red Dog returns to the caravan park, where he is noticed by the caretakers. The Cribbages are portrayed as bad people, with Mr. Cribbage described as having a Hitler-like mustache. They decide to throw Nancy out because she has let Red Dog stay despite the park's having a "no dogs" policy.
When other locals learn that the Cribbages are trying to get rid of the popular dog, they threaten the couple until they leave. Red Dog is poisoned with strychnine and has to be put down. Bill and Piotr (Peeto) find him and don't want him to suffer, but in the end they cannot shoot him. They take him to the vet who had treated him before. He gives the dog a painkiller and eases his death. The locals hold a funeral for Red Dog and a monument for him is built in Dampier, Western Australia.