The Importance of Friendship

Friends fill a vital role in everyday life by providing support, entertainment, and encouragement. In this novel, most of the characters are heavily dependent on the support of their friends.

As the novel opens, the Chief is going on a date with the Nurse Lady. The Chief has Dog Man with him for support. Dog Man eagerly takes a position between the Chief and the Nurse Lady, and he seems to smooth the way even though the Chief is too nervous to carry on a conversation. Dog Man demonstrates that even the adults of this novel turn to their friends for support.

Each of the characters has some special friendships. Li'l Petey and Molly are close friends because they enjoy making comics together. Li'l Petey considers Petey to be his Papa, but they are also friends. Sarah has a dog named Zuzu, and...