Summary

The novel begins with a “canine glossary.” Several images of Bob in different positions are shown, each one identifying a mood such as “let’s play” or “get lost.” The glossary also contains a list of vocabulary words such as “drool flag” and “zoomies.”

The first chapter begins and Bob, the three-year-old canine narrator, introduces himself and informs us that he is not a good dog. He lists a series of bad dog things he frequently does. He says he is a Chihuahua papillon mutt.

Bob says he does not like the phrase “man’s best friend,” and prefers to look out for himself because he does not trust humans. His best friends are a gorilla named Ivan and an elephant named Ruby.

Bob had been a puppy when he snuck into the mall and found an animal enclosure. He saw the gorilla sleeping...