The One and Only Bob

Part 4 covers chapters: “aftermath,” “riddle,” “working on it,” “snickers, again,” and “a visitor.”

Eight animals from the park died in the hurricane. A few other animals remain unaccounted for, including Kimu the wolf. Boss slipped away as animals were helped from the animal shelter to the donut shop, and Bob is devastated that he did not get to spend more time with his sister. He had hoped to bring her home to live with Julia and her family so that she could experience a safe, comfortable, and happy home. Rowdy comes home with Bob to live with the family, and Bob admits that he loves having him around and feels somewhat responsible for him, “sorta like he’s become my numero uno” (327).

Bob visits the park frequently and observes that Ruby seems to be gaining confidence. He is happy, as always, to sit in companionable silence with Ivan. Snickers visits Bob at his house excitedly and adoringly, professing that they survived the hurricane because “the fates wanted our love to blossom” (331). Bob finds her attention embarrassing and overwhelming.

Bob responds lovingly to Julia but cannot escape the knowledge that other dogs do not share his privileges.