Reading Notes: The Little Hunting Dog, Part B

For Part B on this seventh week, I looked at the same stories from Part A, Chinese Fairy Tales. The book I liked the most was titled The Little Hunting Dog. I liked this book for many reasons. I paid close attention to this story because I love dogs. I also found that the dog was very tiny and that was quite different and interesting. People are infatuated with tiny things, and if I were to see a tiny dog I would be really intrigued.

The tiny dog has a purpose in the scholar's life and I like that about the story. I find it relatable today because there are people who would rather be around dogs for company. The scholar wants to be in a secluded place, but with that come other troubles, such as the fleas and gnats.

If I were to change this story I would not make the poor dog die. I would make it so that the scholar found the solution to his problem with the dog, and also found a lifelong companion. I like happy endings for the most part, especially when it comes to dogs.

I would also change the story so that the scholar tried to steal the dog. He saw how much good the dog was doing by getting rid of the vermin and he wants it for himself. He doesn't know if the dog will disappear or leave, so without taking any chances, he will capture it. First, he will try to talk to the tiny king, but the king acts as if he cannot hear him. He gets very frustrated and just decides to take matters into his own hands.

Story Source: The Little Hunting Dog from The Chinese Fairy Book by R. Wilhelm

Hunting Dog

Source: Wikimedia Commons