Take a story's temperature by studying its tone. Is it hopeful? Cynical? Snarky? Playful?
Loving, Grateful, Light, Wistful
From the first paragraph (or even from the title alone), we know that Gary Paulsen is a man who loves dogs. "I make no excuses for unabashedly loving them," he writes, "all of them, even some that have bitten me. I have always had dogs and will have dogs until I die" (1.1). His affection for his canine companions comes through on every page in his descriptions of all their special qualities.
Though Paulsen describes many difficult moments in his own life—his childhood, especially, is rough—he has a light touch. This is perhaps in part because dogs brought him strength and joy during difficult times in his life. Many of his dogs were characters, and their antics make for some hilarious stories. It doesn't hurt that Paulsen himself has a great sense of humor.
On the other hand, there are times where the author sounds more wistful and sad. As a lonely, isolated boy, he longs for friends. When he recalls the death of his first dog, Snowball, Paulsen writes, "I miss her as much as if she'd just died yesterday" (2.42). There is a particularly mournful quality to the last chapter, which is about Paulsen's current dog, Josh, who is nearing the end of his life.
He sits now as I write this, watching me, waiting, his brown eyes soft but alert, full of love but without nonsense, his black-and-white coat shining in the New Mexico sun streaming through the window. (9.1)
We feel the author's sadness in knowing his best friend won't be with him much longer.