Born in the Wheelbarrow

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy), the narrator, and her brother Bone are born to a stray mother, Stream, in an abandoned wheelbarrow in a garden shed on the Merrions' country estate. Their world is small but safe, filled with the warmth of their mother and the company of shed cats and mice. Their mother teaches them the basics of survival, and the shed becomes their first home, a microcosm of animal life, with the ever-present threat of predators like the fox, Mine. The Merrions, the human family, are distant and mostly absent, but their presence shapes the boundaries of the puppies' world. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s earliest memories are of comfort, warmth, and the simple joys of being a puppy.

Mother's Lessons and Loss

As Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Bone grow, their mother teaches them essential skills: hunting, hiding, and avoiding humans. The outside world is both fascinating and dangerous, with lessons learned through play and observation. The sudden death of the fox, Mine, at the hands of humans, foreshadows the dangers lurking beyond the shed. One day, their mother leaves and never returns, likely killed or driven off. The siblings are left to fend for themselves, relying on their mother's teachings and each other for comfort and survival. This loss marks the end of their sheltered childhood and the beginning of their struggle as strays.

Alone with Bone

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Bone adapt to life without their mother, scavenging from the garbage heap and learning to avoid danger. Their world is disrupted when Matthias, the gentle Merrion boy, discovers them. He secretly befriends them, offering food and kindness, slowly earning their trust. For a time, the siblings enjoy a semblance of safety and affection, but the threat of humans and the memory of their mother's warnings linger. As summer wanes, Bone grows restless, sensing the need to move on. One morning, he leaves the shed, and Squirrel (Addie/Daisy), unable to bear separation, follows him into the unknown.

Human Kindness, Human Cruelty

Bone and Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s journey leads them to a highway, where they are picked up by a couple, Marcy and George. Initially, the puppies hope for a new home, but the humans' impatience and lack of understanding quickly turn to neglect and abuse. After a series of mishaps, the puppies are unceremoniously dumped at a shopping mall. Bone is adopted by a stranger, while Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) is left alone, injured and abandoned. This traumatic experience cements Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s wariness of humans and her reliance on her own instincts for survival.

Thrown Away

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s world shrinks to the parking lot where she was left. She waits for Bone, but hunger and fear drive her into the nearby woods. Alone for the first time, she must navigate the challenges of finding food, shelter, and safety. The memory of her brother haunts her, but she learns to survive on her own, enduring loneliness and the harsh realities of life as a stray. The seasons change, and Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) grows from a vulnerable puppy into a resourceful young dog, shaped by loss and resilience.

Squirrel Alone

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s solitary existence is marked by hunger, cold, and the constant search for food. She learns to hunt, scavenge, and avoid danger, growing lean and wary. The woods become her home, but the isolation is profound. She observes the rhythms of nature and the lives of humans from a distance, always on the outside looking in. Her longing for companionship is palpable, but trust is hard-won after so many betrayals. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s survival is a testament to her mother's lessons and her own determination.

Surviving the Wild

As Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) endures her first winter alone, she faces hunger, cold, and the threat of predators. She adapts to the changing seasons, finding new sources of food and shelter. Her encounters with other animals, both wild and domestic, teach her the complexities of survival. The arrival of spring brings new challenges and opportunities, but also a deepening sense of loneliness. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s journey is one of constant movement, driven by necessity and the hope of finding a place to belong.

Moonlight Companion

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s life changes when she meets Moon, a small, bold stray who becomes her companion. Together, they navigate the dangers of the wild and the edges of human society, sharing food, warmth, and the comfort of each other's presence. Their bond is deep, forged through shared hardship and mutual reliance. For the first time since losing Bone, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) feels a sense of belonging. The two dogs become a team, facing the world together and finding moments of joy amid the struggle for survival.

The Fight for Survival

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Moon's partnership is tested when they are attacked by a pack of desperate stray dogs at a highway rest stop. The brutal fight leaves them both injured, but their loyalty to each other helps them heal. The experience is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by strays and the thin line between life and death. As they recover, their bond grows stronger, but the world remains unforgiving. The loss of safety and the constant threat of violence shape their journey, reinforcing the importance of companionship and resilience.

Winter in Claremont

The two dogs find relative safety in the town of Claremont, where kind humans leave out food for the strays. For a time, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Moon enjoy regular meals and shelter, observing the rhythms of human life from the shadows. The town's routines offer comfort, but the threat of animal control looms. When a van arrives to capture the strays, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Moon are forced to flee, leaving behind the fragile security they had found. The episode underscores the precariousness of their existence and the fleeting nature of safety for animals without homes.

The Van and the Trap

After escaping the van in Claremont, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Moon continue their wandering, moving from town to town and farm to farm. They encounter both kindness and cruelty, never able to settle for long. In one town, they are attacked by children; in another, they find brief refuge. Their journey is a cycle of hope and disappointment, shaped by the unpredictability of human behavior. The constant movement takes its toll, especially as Moon is killed by a truck, leaving Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) alone once more. The loss is devastating, but Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s survival instinct drives her onward.

Summer Family, Forgotten Again

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) is taken in by the Beckers as a "summer dog," given the name Daisy. For a while, she enjoys the comforts of a home, but as summer ends, the family's interest wanes. She is left outside, often forgotten and unfed, until the family leaves for the city, abandoning her without a second thought. The experience reinforces Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s distrust of humans and her belief that she can rely only on herself. She returns to the life of a stray, older and wiser, but still longing for connection.

Wandering Old and Alone

As the years pass, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) becomes an old dog, her body marked by scars and the aches of age. She survives by moving from place to place, seeking shelter on farms during the winter and wandering in the warmer months. Her memories of Bone, Moon, and her mother become distant, replaced by the daily struggle to find food and warmth. The world is harsher now, and Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s strength is waning. Yet she persists, driven by the same resilience that has carried her through a lifetime of hardship.

Susan's Hearth

One bitter winter, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy), now frail and starving, finds her way to the home of Susan, an elderly woman living alone. Susan notices the stray and, with patience and gentleness, coaxes her inside. For the first time in years, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) experiences warmth, comfort, and consistent care. Susan names her Addie and provides her with food, a soft bed, and companionship. The bond between the two old ladies grows, each finding solace in the other's presence. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s long journey of survival finally leads her to a place of safety and love.

Two Old Ladies

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Susan settle into a quiet routine, sharing their days and nights. Susan's kindness and understanding help Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) heal, both physically and emotionally. The two become inseparable, providing each other with the companionship they had both been missing. Susan defends Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) against the doubts of others, insisting that the old dog is exactly what she needs. Together, they create a home filled with warmth, acceptance, and the simple joys of shared company. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy), once a stray defined by loss, finds peace in the love of her human friend.

Home at Last

In her final years, Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) reflects on her life's journey—the losses, the friendships, the hardships, and the moments of happiness. She realizes that, despite never finding Bone again, she has found a true home with Susan. The memories of her mother, Bone, and Moon remain, but they are no longer sources of pain. Instead, they are part of the tapestry of a life well-lived. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s story ends with her curled up by the fire, content and loved, having finally found the home she had always sought.

Characters

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) is the heart and soul of the story—a stray dog whose life is marked by loss, survival, and the search for connection. Born in a shed, she is shaped by her mother's teachings and the early bond with her brother Bone. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s journey is one of constant adaptation, as she faces abandonment, cruelty, and the indifference of humans. Her relationships—with Bone, Moon, and finally Susan—reveal her deep capacity for love and loyalty, even after repeated betrayals. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s psychological resilience is remarkable; she endures loneliness and hardship without losing her gentle spirit. Her development from a vulnerable puppy to a wise old dog is a testament to the enduring hope for home and companionship.

Bone

Bone is Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s littermate and closest companion in her early life. He is adventurous, bold, and often the leader, prompting Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) to follow him into new experiences. Bone's restlessness drives the siblings to leave the safety of the shed, setting the course for their separation and Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s solitary journey. His disappearance is a defining loss for Squirrel (Addie/Daisy), shaping her longing for connection and her wariness of forming new bonds. Bone represents both the comfort of family and the pain of inevitable change.

Mother (Stream)

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s mother is a wise and resourceful stray who imparts crucial survival skills to her puppies. Her presence is nurturing and reassuring, providing a sense of safety in a precarious world. The suddenness of her disappearance leaves Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Bone vulnerable, but her lessons sustain them through the challenges they face. Mother's influence endures throughout Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s life, guiding her decisions and shaping her understanding of trust, danger, and independence.

Moon

Moon is a small, spirited stray who becomes Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s closest friend after Bone's loss. She is bold, resourceful, and unafraid to take risks, qualities that complement Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s cautious nature. Their partnership brings joy and comfort to both, offering a reprieve from loneliness and the dangers of the wild. Moon's tragic death is a devastating blow, reinforcing the fragility of happiness for strays. Her memory lingers as a symbol of the possibility of connection, even in the harshest circumstances.

Susan

Susan is an elderly woman who offers Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) the unconditional love and care she has long been denied. Living alone, Susan is herself in need of companionship, and her relationship with Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) is mutually healing. She is patient, understanding, and fiercely protective, standing up to those who question her decision to adopt an old stray. Susan's home becomes the sanctuary Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) has sought all her life, and their bond is a testament to the transformative power of kindness and acceptance.

Matthias

Matthias is the Merrions' quiet, compassionate son who befriends Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Bone during their time on the estate. His patience and gentleness contrast with the indifference or hostility of other humans. Matthias's secret kindness provides the puppies with their first positive experience of human affection, planting the seeds of trust that will later allow Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) to accept Susan's love. He represents the potential for goodness in people, even when it is rare.

Marcy and George

Marcy and George are the couple who briefly take in Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) and Bone, only to abandon them when the responsibility becomes inconvenient. Their initial kindness quickly turns to frustration and neglect, culminating in the traumatic act of dumping the puppies at a mall. They embody the dangers of thoughtless pet ownership and the harm caused by treating animals as disposable.

The Beckers

The Beckers family adopts Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) (as Daisy) for a summer, providing her with temporary comfort and affection. However, their interest fades with the season, and they ultimately abandon her when they return to the city. Their neglect is less overtly cruel than Marcy and George's, but equally damaging, reinforcing Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s belief that she cannot rely on humans for lasting care.

Mrs. Oliver

Mrs. Oliver is Susan's neighbor, representing societal doubts about the value of caring for old animals. Her skepticism and concern for Susan's ability to care for Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) highlight the challenges faced by both elderly people and elderly pets. She serves as a contrast to Susan's unwavering commitment, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

Dr. Roth and Rachael

Dr. Roth and her assistant Rachael provide medical care and kindness to Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) after Moon's death. Their gentle handling and encouragement help Squirrel (Addie/Daisy) recover physically and emotionally, preparing her for adoption by the Beckers. They represent the positive impact of dedicated animal welfare professionals in the lives of strays.

Plot Devices

First-Person Canine Perspective

The story is told entirely from Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s point of view, immersing the reader in the sensory world and emotional landscape of a stray dog. This perspective fosters deep empathy, allowing readers to experience the joys, fears, and confusions of animal life. The limitations of Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s understanding—her partial grasp of human language, her reliance on scent and instinct—add authenticity and poignancy to the narrative. The choice of voice also enables the author to explore complex themes of loss, trust, and resilience in a way that is accessible and emotionally resonant.

Episodic Structure

Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s journey is structured as a series of episodes, each representing a distinct phase of her life: puppyhood, separation, companionship, abandonment, and finally, belonging. This structure mirrors the unpredictability and fragmentation of a stray's existence, with each chapter offering a self-contained story that contributes to the overarching narrative of survival and hope. The episodic format allows for a wide range of settings, characters, and emotional tones, reflecting the diversity of experiences that shape Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s character.

Symbolism of Home and Belonging

The concept of "home" recurs throughout the novel, symbolizing both physical safety and emotional fulfillment. Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s repeated losses and temporary refuges underscore the difficulty of finding true belonging in a world that is often indifferent or hostile. The eventual creation of a home with Susan represents the culmination of Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s journey, affirming the possibility of healing and connection even after a lifetime of hardship.

Foreshadowing and Repetition

The early loss of Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s mother and the death of the fox, Mine, foreshadow the recurring theme of abandonment and the dangers posed by humans. The repetition of being taken in and then discarded by various people reinforces the precariousness of a stray's life and the emotional scars left by betrayal. These patterns heighten the impact of Squirrel (Addie/Daisy)'s eventual acceptance of Susan's love, making her final homecoming all the more meaningful.

Analysis

Ann M. Martin's A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray is a moving exploration of resilience, loss, and the universal longing for home, told through the eyes of a dog whose life is shaped by both the best and worst of humanity. By adopting a first-person canine perspective, Martin invites readers to empathize deeply with the experiences of stray animals, highlighting the consequences of neglect, abandonment, and casual cruelty, as well as the transformative power of patience and kindness. The [episodic structure](#episo

Last updated: May 14, 2025