Cirrus@Austlit

'A Dog's Tale is a memoir of Comrade Flint, who is a Schnoodle. He is taken home by his Papa George, who loves him very much, but who is often sad and teary. Someone called Patrick, from Papa George's family, has left home. Comrade wants to make his Papa George happy and works hard to make his Papa proud of him. His Mama is far away and she is also sad, but she will return home soon and Comrade is anxious to meet her. His goal is to bring happiness and joy back into their sad lives.' (Publication summary)

'In Book Two of his memoir, 'A Dog's Tale', Schnoodle Comrade Flint reflects on his love for his Mama Vicky from their first meeting. Now that she has returned to Melbourne from Cyprus, Comrade stays home with her. He would much rather be in the DAF truck with his Papa George, but he realizes that his Mama Vicky needs him. He wants her to play with him, like his Papa does, but all that she wants to do is to hold him like a baby and hug him tight.

'He is enrolled in 'Obedience School', where Comrade is only interested in making new friends, not learning new commands. He already obeys commands from Papa George so he doesn't think that school is necessary for him. Mama Vicky is determined to teach him a few lessons of her own, leaving him home alone when she has to go out shopping. He is scared of being alone, and is determined, one way or another, to let his Papa and Mama know. His fear of being alone worsens on New Year's Eve when he is terrified by the loud banging and popping noises and people shouting in the street. It is dark inside the house and he can't see anything, which frightens him even more.

'Papa George installs security cameras, which are meant for Comrade's security, rather than the house. Comrade decides to teach both his Papa and Mama a lesson.' (Publication summary)