Dogs

Dogs appear repeatedly throughout the novel. For example, dogs attack Pete as he goes to visit one of the families he's meant to help; Cecil arouses the dog at the Cloningers' house; dogs in town are killed when they attempt to attack a moose passing through; and dogs at Cecil's uncle's house attempt to attack Pete. In most instances, dogs seem to be an extension of their owners and the other townsfolk. Some are mean and vicious and attack for no reason; others are beaten and abused and don't really understand what's happening to them. Having these creatures present only re-enforces the helplessness of Pete's situation and the impossibility of saving everyone when so many people, and animals, are in need.

Coins

Coins are also a commonly occurring object throughout the text. They act most significantly as tools of rebellion for Jeremiah Pearl, who buys up...