Rez Dogs

This contemporary novel is written in verse, with poetic line breaks, rather than in paragraphs and prose. It is inspired by the Indigenous tradition of oral storytelling.

Grampa Roy and Grandma Frances’s unquestioning acceptance of the wolflike dog, Malsum, underscores the respect that Penacook individuals have for all living things. This is emphasized by Grandma Frances’s comment: “When a dog like that just appears and chooses you, it’s not your decision” (5). The narrative compares the consideration and freedom that rez dogs are given on Indigenous reservations to the treatment of city dogs, who are “controlled” and unable to live their own lives. The way city dogs are contained mirror how Indigenous Americans have been marginalized and suppressed by white Americans and the American government.

Malian, who lives with her Wabanaki parents in Boston and goes to Catholic school, provides a bridge between the old Penacook ways on the reservation and modern city life. Malian has grown up listening to Wabanaki stories, which infuse her modern life with traditional Indigenous perspective and knowledge. Her narrative journey emphasizes the importance of Understanding One’s Heritage: How the Past Affects the Present and the Future. Indigenous people have a strong tradition of storytelling, and traditional stories form the backbone of the book. Through storytelling, Malian learns about her culture.

The histories and ideologies of Indigenous people are passed down through generations by the spoken word, connecting past and present. The stories provide personal and family history, or tribal history and experiences. Creation stories are prevalent throughout the book. In Chapter 3, Malian’s father writes how proud he is of Malian for looking after her grandparents: “That's the way our Creator meant it to be, that one day young people might know the blessing of being able to take care of those who cared for them when they were young” (23). Grampa Roy tells Malian the story of rez dogs behaving like humans when left alone, highlighting the autonomy and freedom of rez dogs, and how lucky humans are that dogs chose to be dogs and live among humans.

The initial section highlights the fear and uncertainty prevalent at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel details the precautions taken during lockdown when Malian’s grandfather is going to step outside to greet Malsum, and Malian says: “It’s too dangerous—you might get that virus” (6). Malian’s refusal to sign for the package held out by the coughing mailman and her suggestion that he see a doctor underscore the environment of fear and potential contagion. The mailman, instead of being angry, appreciates Malian’s suggestion and gives a message of support for Malian’s grandparents, highlighting The Importance of Unity During a Crisis. When Malian wipes down the package and uses gloves, it is a reminder of the universal precautions that were recommended globally to limit the spread of the virus to vulnerable populations, a global attempt to take care of one another.