What is the theme in The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel by Garth Stein?

Death and dying as concepts and plot points underlie the entirety of The Art of Racing in the Rain. The novel opens with Enzo, the narrator and a dog looking back on his life and recollecting those moments that made the most significant impact. Enzo eventually dies, but Enzo's attitude toward death could be called optimistic, to say the least. While he has thoroughly enjoyed his life as Denny Swift's friend, confidante, and protector, Enzo is nonetheless overjoyed at the prospect of reincarnation.