Because of Winn-Dixie

     When I was rereading Because of Winn-Dixie by Katie DiCamillo, I realized how many children probably loved this book just as much as I did. This book tells a story of a stray dog that somehow finds itself in a grocery store called Winn-Dixie and somehow manages to also find an owner too. Opal, a young girl who had just moved into town, claimed that this stray dog was hers because she did not want the dog to go to the pound. From there, the relationship blossoms and portrays how important a relationship between dog and owner really can be.
     Most children really like pets and often beg to have one of their own. Opal was just like any other child who hoped for the best. When she decided to claim this stray dog as her own, she brought it home in hopes that her father would let her keep the dog. Luckily, her father said she could keep the dog. I wonder how Opal was feeling when her father decided to allow her to keep the dog. When children get their first pet, they tend to learn a lot about responsibility. Since Opal had a big heart and did not want this dog to the pound, she had to learn how to take care of a dog that had not been taken care of in a long time and it showed. Opal explains, "Winn-Dixie looked up at me and wagged her tail. He was kind of limping like something was wrong with one of his legs. And I have to admit, he stunk. Bad. He was an ugly dog, but already, I loved him with all my heart" (p. 14). This just shows how much love children have in their heart, no matter the circumstances. This made me think of when I found a stray dog and begged my parents to keep him. They ended up letting me keep him, but explained to me that he was my responsibility. This dog looked like how Opal described Winn-Dixie, but I loved him so much anyway. When children are passionate about something, they will more than likely follow through. I love the way that the author touches on a subject that a lot of children can relate to. This will really pull the reader in.