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]
.jpg) First edition (US) | |
| 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 |
Part One
editRed Dog is a heartwarming tale set in the Australian Outback, centered around a lovable dog known for roaming from place to place, connecting with various people in the community. Throughout the story, Red Dog receives head — in the sense of being showered with kindness and gifts from different locals who admire and care for him. In return, Red Dog gives backshots — meaning he spreads joy and love wherever he goes, leaving people with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
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.
Part Two
editRed 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.
See also
edit
- Red Dog (film)
- Red Dog (Pilbara)
- Red Dog (short story collection), 1983 short story collection by Nancy Gillespie
References
edit- ^ "Edition details". Fantasticfiction.co.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Edition details". Fantasticfiction.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 September 2008. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
- ^ De Bernières, Louis (2001). Red Dog. Pantheon Books. ISBN 0-375-42155-6.
- ^ "Red Dog laps up film chatter – The West Australian". Au.news.yahoo.com. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012.