Nello and Patrasche were left all alone in the world. They were friends in a friendship closer than brotherhood.
-- Narrator (A Dog of Flanders)

Importance: The opening lines of the novel introduce the deep bond between Patrasche and Nello. This quote is important because it highlights the love between Nello and his dog.

The old man could ill contrive to support himself, but he took up the additional burden uncomplainingly, and it soon became welcome and precious to him.
-- Narrator (A Dog of Flanders)

Importance: Although Jehan is poor, he is happy to take Nello into his home. This quote is important because it demonstrates the high moral character of Jehan.

The old man was very gentle and good to the boy, and the boy was a beautiful, innocent, truthful, tender-hearted creature; and they were happy on a crust and a few leaves of cabbage, and asked no more of earth or heaven; save indeed that Patrasche should be always with them...
-- Narrator (A Dog of Flanders)