In the heartwarming and often humorous novel “How to Steal a Dog” by Barbara O’Connor, we’re introduced to Georgina, a young girl navigating the challenging waters of homelessness with her older brother, Toby, and their beloved, scruffy dog, whom they affectionately call Drover. Forced to move from place to place, their most significant challenge isn’t finding shelter, but finding a way to keep Drover with them, as their transient lifestyle makes pet ownership a difficult luxury. The narrative unfolds with Georgina’s desperate plan: to “steal” a dog, which she believes will prove to her estranged mother that she’s responsible enough to care for a pet, and thus, convince her mother to take them back.
Georgina’s Desperate Scheme: The Genesis of a Plan
Georgina’s life is a constant struggle for stability. After her father leaves and her mother abandons them to live with a new man, Georgina and Toby are left to fend for themselves, often relying on the kindness of strangers and the limited resources of shelters. Their one constant source of comfort and unconditional love is Drover, a dog they found and whose presence is a testament to their bond as siblings. However, their precarious living situation means they can’t always keep Drover, leading to heartbreaking separations. This fuels Georgina’s determination to create a stable home, and she hatches a plan inspired by a flyer for a lost dog. She decides that if she can “steal” a dog, find its owner, and return it, she can demonstrate her capability to her mother. This, she hopes, will be the key to reuniting their broken family.
The Neighborhood and the “Stolen” Dogs
Georgina’s quest takes her through a suburban neighborhood, where she begins her “dog-napping” operation. Her first target is a pampered Poodle, which she attempts to lure away with promises of adventure. This initial attempt, like many of her endeavors, doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. The Poodle is too well-trained and attached to its owner, highlighting the stark contrast between Georgina’s perception of dog ownership and the reality for many pets. Undeterred, she continues her efforts, encountering various dogs and their owners, each interaction revealing more about the community and Georgina’s own growing understanding of responsibility and empathy.
Lessons in Loyalty and Connection
As Georgina proceeds with her plan, she begins to learn more about the dogs she encounters and the people who love them. She witnesses firsthand the deep bonds between pets and their owners, observing acts of kindness and care that resonate with her own love for Drover. She meets Luanne, a girl who initially seems unsympathetic, but who eventually reveals her own struggles and her deep affection for her dog. Through these interactions, Georgina starts to question her initial plan. She begins to understand that stealing a dog isn’t the solution; true responsibility lies in caring for a dog, not in deceiving its owners. Her focus subtly shifts from “stealing” to understanding and helping.
“It’s hard to be a somebody when you’re a nobody.” – Georgina’s internal monologue reflects her struggle for recognition and a stable identity.
The Climax and Resolution: Finding a Home
The novel builds towards a powerful climax where Georgina’s actions lead to a confrontation that forces the truth about her and Toby’s situation to light. In a pivotal moment, the community, initially viewing Georgina with suspicion, begins to see her struggles and her deep love for Drover. The “stolen” dogs play a crucial role, not as victims of theft, but as catalysts for connection and understanding. The resolution sees Georgina and Toby not only finding a safe place to stay but also a foster family that recognizes their need for stability and their capacity for love. The story concludes with a sense of hope, emphasizing that family isn’t always about blood ties, but about the connections we forge and the love we share, especially with our furry companions. “How to Steal a Dog” is a touching reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact a dog can have on our lives, offering not just companionship but also a pathway to finding home.
