"My Kids Dog", by Ron Hansen is about an all American sounding father, who is going through the

expierence of his family dog dying. The father goes on to describe the relationship between himself and
the family pet, Sparky. Their relationship was rocky at best. He often felt as if the dog was secretly
challenging him and purposly giving him a hard time. Though the relationship between Sparky and the
father was difficut, we are also shown compassion and underlying love that take place between them.
This is suggested when the father goes to the vet with the deceased dog solely to clear Sparky's name
after being accused of biting the calf of a neighbor's child. It is also suggested that the father is secretly
jealous of Sparky because of the praise and attention he receives from his wife and children. The father
is convinced that Sparky is actively manipulating the rest of the family and it is suggest when the father
starts to recall past events. This is backed when the father says "little Foo-Foo was a changeling, conning
them with the tail.

We definitely see more signs of principles in the father. This is backed when the father goes to
get into his car and notices that the gas tank was empty; That Zack had not replenished the fuel after
attending the Hollywood Bowl. It is also suggested that Zack is more unprincipled from the line, "Zack in
the netherworld of the surf shop". It is also suggested that the father is a man of principles because of
his meticulous planning and his thought process on fulfilling the duties and requirements of Sparky's
death. This includes burial, transporting Sparky's remains, going to the veterinary clinic, comforting his
family and the grief that comes with the loss of a beloved pet.