Wishbone: Character Analysis
Quick Facts: A stray dog who becomes Charlie Reese's emotional anchor. First appears in Chapter 3. Key relationships with Charlie, Bertha, and Gus.
Who He Is
Wishbone is more than just a pet; he's a mirror reflecting Charlie's deepest longings and a catalyst for her healing. Initially a "wild stray," he embodies Charlie's own feelings of abandonment and isolation. His transformation from a skittish loner to a loving companion mirrors Charlie's journey towards trust and belonging, making him a central figure in the themes of The Meaning of Family and Healing and Overcoming Trauma.
Personality & Traits
Initially, Wishbone is defined by his fear and distrust, a direct result of his life as a stray. However, beneath his defensive exterior lies a capacity for immense loyalty and affection, which blossoms as he learns to trust Charlie and her newfound family.
- Skittish and Wild: As a stray, Wishbone is terrified of people, running from Charlie and Bertha whenever they approach. His initial fear highlights the vulnerability and defensiveness that come from a life of uncertainty.
- A Fighter: Charlie first sees Wishbone fighting another dog, forging an immediate connection. As she says in Chapter 4, And he was a fighter. Like me. That dog and I had a lot in common. This shared trait fuels her determination to make him hers.
- Intelligent: Wishbone proves to be a quick learner. With help from Howard Odom, Charlie teaches him tricks like shaking hands and rolling over, showcasing his intelligence and eagerness to please.
- Loyal and Loving: Once Wishbone accepts Charlie, his loyalty is unwavering. He follows her everywhere, sleeps in her bed, and offers constant affection, embodying the unconditional love that Charlie craves.
Character Journey
Wishbone's arc is a beautiful parallel to Charlie's own. He begins as a symbol of Charlie's yearning for a place to belong, a "wish" in canine form. As Charlie gradually opens her heart to Gus, Bertha, and Howard, Wishbone mirrors her progress, learning to trust and offer affection. The pivotal moment when he returns after running away solidifies his choice to be with Charlie, transforming him from a stray into a cherished member of her chosen family.
Key Relationships
- Charlie Reese: Wishbone is Charlie's closest confidant, a furry soulmate who understands her in a way no one else can. She sees her own "stray" status reflected in him and is determined to provide him with the loving home she desires for herself. Their bond is the emotional core of the story, with Wishbone's unconditional love serving as a catalyst for Charlie's healing and growth.
- Bertha: Bertha is the first to extend kindness to Wishbone, leaving out scraps of food and offering gentle words of encouragement. Though initially cautious, she quickly recognizes his importance to Charlie's well-being and embraces him as part of their unconventional family. Her acceptance of Wishbone mirrors her acceptance of Charlie, demonstrating her boundless capacity for love.
- Gus: Gus's initial skepticism towards Wishbone gradually melts away as he witnesses the dog's positive impact on Charlie. His quiet acceptance is demonstrated when he buys Wishbone a proper leash and a custom-engraved name tag, a gesture that officially welcomes the dog into their family. This act shows his growing affection for both Wishbone and Charlie, signifying his commitment to creating a stable and loving home for them.
- Howard Odom: Howard plays a crucial role in helping Charlie catch Wishbone, offering his knowledge and support in building the trap. He is the first to recognize Wishbone's intelligence and eagerly assists Charlie in teaching him tricks, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose. His involvement highlights the importance of community and the power of simple acts of kindness in helping others heal.
Defining Moments
- The First Sighting (Chapter 3): Charlie witnesses Wishbone fighting another dog, sparking an immediate connection. His scrappy nature resonates with her own feelings of being an outsider, fueling her desire to rescue him.
- Catching Him (Chapter 13): After weeks of effort, Charlie finally catches Wishbone using Bertha's meatloaf as bait. This moment represents a significant victory for Charlie, demonstrating her ability to take control of her life and achieve her goals.
- Running Away and Returning (Chapters 16 & 18): Wishbone's sudden disappearance triggers Charlie's deepest fears of abandonment, reinforcing her belief that she is destined to be alone. His voluntary return is a pivotal turning point, proving that he chooses to be with her and solidifying their bond.
- The Name Tag (Chapter 14): Gus presents Charlie with a bone-shaped tag engraved with "Wishbone" and their phone number. This small gift symbolizes Wishbone's official place in the family, making Charlie feel that he truly belongs and is loved unconditionally.
Symbolism
Wishbone serves as a potent symbol of Wishing and Hope, reflecting Charlie's deepest desires for love, acceptance, and belonging. He embodies the idea of unconditional love, something Charlie has been deprived of in her own life. By rescuing Wishbone, Charlie is, in a sense, rescuing herself, transforming from a lonely "stray" into a cherished member of a loving family.
Essential Quotes
A skinny brown-and-black dog with long, floppy ears. The same dog I’d seen fighting that afternoon! — Charlie's initial description paints Wishbone as a scrappy survivor, mirroring her own resilience in the face of adversity.
I knew what it felt like to be a stray, not having a home where somebody wanted you. And he was a fighter. Like me. That dog and I had a lot in common. I was suddenly overwhelmed with love for that skinny dog. — This quote reveals the deep connection Charlie feels with Wishbone, recognizing their shared experiences of loneliness and abandonment.
“So what?” I said. “His name is Wishbone.” The minute I said that, it felt right. Wishbone. That was the perfect name for my dog. — Naming him Wishbone is an act of claiming him as her own, imbuing him with the hope and possibility she desperately craves.
“You know what I like best about dogs?” Bertha said. ... “They love you no matter what.” — Bertha's simple statement encapsulates the essence of Wishbone's character and the transformative power of unconditional love.
When I looked down at him with his collar on and his very own tag with his very own name, he seemed like he’d been mine forever. Like he belonged right here with me, not a stray anymore. — This quote captures the culmination of Wishbone's journey from a stray to a beloved family member, mirroring Charlie's own transformation and sense of belonging.