Snapshot of a Dog
(James Thurber)
“Snapshot of a Dog” is an interesting story by James Thurber. It is a typical piece of writing. It gives us deep insight into the psychology of dogs. It also shows faithfulness of Rex to his masters and the love of writer for his dear dog. It is a vivid snapshot of an adventurous and faithful dog, Rex. The story is both humorous and serious.
Once
the writer was going through his old things when he came across an old snapshot
of his dear dog, Rex. The writer was lost in the past and life of this stout dog
ran before his eyes like a picture. Rex was an American bull terrier. He was
gentle by nature and never starts fights. Anyhow, if he were forced to join a
fight, he would catch hold of other dog’s ear and hold on for hours. He was as
powerful as a wrestler. The writer has described a Homeric fight between Rex and
a Negro’s dog.
Rex
ran after cats and killed them quickly and neatly. He barked at thieves but
never ran after wagons. Swimming was his favorite sport and recreation. He could
catch a baseball thrown as high as one could. He was very daring and tenacious.
He could climb high fences. If his masters set him to climb over 12 or 16 feet
walls, he would go on making attempt. They had to carry him home, as he would
never give up. He tested his mettle by pulling and dragging heavy things. One
night he found a chest of drawers somewhere and dragged it to home. He brought
home a ten-foot wooden rail through the back gate. He accepted challenges and
problems. The writer was proud of him.
The
death scene of this brave, faithful and adventurous dog is very touching and
pathetic. He was badly beaten by someone. When he entered the house, he was
dreadfully scarred. He was dying. He licked the hands of two of his masters and
waited for the third to come. The third brother came home after one hour. Rex
licked his hands and passed away. He died after straight-arming the death angel
for more than an hour.
The
article tells us that dogs are royal and faithful. They are enemies of cats. The
writer understands dogs. He has very skillfully communicated his understanding
to the reader. The story flows on easily and smoothly.