The Purpose for Pets

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 07 Sep 2019, 14:18

If I had to guess, it is because the pets provide comfort to the children since they do not have a family. But since the pets are not given much of a background and do not seem to have a place in the story, all we can do is assume.

Washboard · Post by **Washboard** » 08 Sep 2019, 00:26

Letora wrote: ↑07 Sep 2019, 06:53 I read this book back in February and I still think there was no reason for there to be pets. I think it was thrown in as a tool for some conflict, but it never really had a solid place in the books.

It is true that it created conflict between characters to have the pets, but I feel like it could have been done in another way. I also think it was for some forms of comedic relief on occasion. Maybe it will be explained better in a sequel?

fmd1821 · Post by **fmd1821** » 08 Sep 2019, 02:14

I liked the idea to give pets to the children, but I have to agree that it was not clear why they did it. That was a pity. The author could have explained this in just a few lines, and it would be perfect.

Reviews by A · Post by **Reviews by A** » 08 Sep 2019, 13:20

Chrystal Oaks wrote: ↑04 Sep 2019, 21:21 Maybe I'm reading into something that isn't there, but I saw the adoption of pets as a way to teach children about responsibility and compassion. Plus, Echoland can be volatile at times and a pet can offer comfort. There was also a scenario where Poudini and Wolfea comforted each other. If the animals hadn't been included, I'm not so sure I would have liked this book as much.

I agree that the pets were likely presented to make the children more responsible and to create a more home like environment. I am still reading the book and have found the pets to be comforting. I like the idea of a child having a loyal and faithful pet to accompany them on any journey, whether close to home or away. I like the beginning line when Will says the pets followed him, they always do.

Dikay127 · Post by **Dikay127** » 08 Sep 2019, 14:31

I don't really think there was a point except for, like you said, it being a right of passage. I think it was supposed to be similar to the kids in Harry Potter getting an owl, toad, or rat. Just to have as a companion. Nothing more.

Sana Rabbani · Post by **Sana Rabbani** » 09 Sep 2019, 10:23

I agree with the low purpose of pets in the plot. In my opinion, they were there to add some traditional dimension to the plot but still their purpose needs to be explained.

Helene_2008 · Post by **Helene_2008** » 09 Sep 2019, 21:08

I agree it wasn't explained but somehow I liked it anyway. Whenever I think of Brainy, I think of his mouse and who didn't love Poudini! Maybe they can be better explained in a sequel.

Rachel Lea · Post by **Rachel Lea** » 10 Sep 2019, 05:17

I agree. I felt like the addition of pets in the story was really more of a fun "filler" idea and not something that added anything substantial to the plot. I adored Poudini, though, so I'm not complaining.

KendraRobinson · Post by **KendraRobinson** » 10 Sep 2019, 21:58

Washboard wrote: ↑05 Sep 2019, 21:09
Noosh wrote: ↑05 Sep 2019, 00:04
Washboard wrote: ↑04 Sep 2019, 23:40

It almost seemed they were put in place to create a parallel to a patronus in Harry Potter series or daemons in the Golden Compass series, but weren't given the backstory to make it work.
Okay, why is everyone comparing this to HP?
Am I the only one who doesn’t see it?
I didn't think it was that similar to Harry Potter for the most part, but the pets thing made me think "Oh... Like a patronus."

Idk I dont really see the patronus thing - more like all the kids in HP were allowed a pet - owls, cats, mice, etc.

KendraRobinson · Post by **KendraRobinson** » 10 Sep 2019, 22:02

I just thought of this though - if everyone could adopt one pet...why was will brought back to our realm with TWO??

Washboard · Post by **Washboard** » 11 Sep 2019, 19:56

Kro92813 wrote: ↑10 Sep 2019, 22:02 I just thought of this though - if everyone could adopt one pet...why was will brought back to our realm with TWO??

I think it is because they weren't actually pets, but Echos disguised as animals once in the Sound realm.

Washboard · Post by **Washboard** » 11 Sep 2019, 19:58

Kro92813 wrote: ↑10 Sep 2019, 21:58
Washboard wrote: ↑05 Sep 2019, 21:09
Noosh wrote: ↑05 Sep 2019, 00:04

Okay, why is everyone comparing this to HP?
Am I the only one who doesn’t see it?
I didn't think it was that similar to Harry Potter for the most part, but the pets thing made me think "Oh... Like a patronus."
Idk I dont really see the patronus thing - more like all the kids in HP were allowed a pet - owls, cats, mice, etc.

The owls in Harry Potter served a purpose at least, but I guess the other types didn't really. Maybe that is a closer comparison than a Patronus. I think it was the whole choosing ceremony that made it so strange to me.

KendraRobinson · Post by **KendraRobinson** » 11 Sep 2019, 21:23

Washboard wrote: ↑11 Sep 2019, 19:56
Kro92813 wrote: ↑10 Sep 2019, 22:02 I just thought of this though - if everyone could adopt one pet...why was will brought back to our realm with TWO??
I think it is because they weren't actually pets, but Echos disguised as animals once in the Sound realm.

Ah yes you are right!

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 12 Sep 2019, 09:35

It was probably for comfort in the book but I think the inclusion of pets was also to show you the truth about the characters. Like, Will's compassion to Wolfèa was contrasted with the Gate Keeper's cruelty, for example.

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 12 Sep 2019, 09:46

Chrystal Oaks wrote: ↑04 Sep 2019, 21:21 Maybe I'm reading into something that isn't there, but I saw the adoption of pets as a way to teach children about responsibility and compassion. Plus, Echoland can be volatile at times and a pet can offer comfort. There was also a scenario where Poudini and Wolfea comforted each other. If the animals hadn't been included, I'm not so sure I would have liked this book as much.

I enjoyed the pets as well even if others seem to not like them as much. I agree that they added comfort and taught compassion. I didn’t even think of responsibility but that is an excellent point!