In the story “Stray” by Cynthia Rylant, Mr. Lacey, Doris’(main character’s) dad, seems unsatisfied with possibly some choices in his life. This may be because he is missing out on some joy in his life. When Doris brings the dog into the house Mr. Lacey sees the dog he immediately decides that he doesn’t like it or at least doesn’t show any affection for it when he says, “I don’t know where it came from but I know for sure where it’s going.” Although it is clear that Mr. Lacey doesn’t feel any affection for the dog he still has pity for it, and lets it sleep in the basement. As the story continues eventually Mr. Lacey at least feels sympathy for the dog and possibly affection. In the beginning of the story although he shows that doesn’t care for the dog after learning more about the dogin the week that they had had it he not only has sympathy for the dog but also for Doris. When the roads clear up and Mr. Lacey is able to take the dog to the pound Mr. Lacey may have changed his views…show more content… Lacey understands that he is missing out on some joy in his life, that is when he realizes that he feels affection for the dog. When Mr. Lacey is at the pound he sees what he is putting the dog into. When he says that when he saw the pound that it was the worst looking place that he’d ever seen. That may have two different meanings. Either Mr. Lacey’s opinion of a good looking place is a very high expectation. Or maybe because he feels affection for the dog he doesn’t want to give it up but doesn’t want to Doris or his wife to know.
Mr. Lacey overall is a character who changes his views on the dog throughout the story. He shows this in a variety of ways, not giving the dog to the pound, having sympathy for it by letting it sleep with them for about a week. Even though he shows sympathy for it does he truly feel affection for it? Could it be
