Friendship is a recurring idea. Flush and Miss Barrett had a genuine and lasting friendship. However, like any true friendship, Flush and Miss Barrett didn't always understand one another and their relationship underwent some rough times. Flush was a young, free-spirited dog when he was given to Miss Barrett. Flush's new master was an invalid and confined to her room the majority of her day. Flush had to adjust to being in a dark, gloomy room all day and on a chain and leash when he was taken outside.