Stella

Throughout the novel, relationships between humans and animals are shown to be important and helpful to both parties. Stella’s first key relationship is with Connie, her handler. When Connie dies, Stella has a very hard time dealing with the loss. At first she struggles because she does not know Connie is dead. She constantly thinks about her and wants to be reunited with her. Then, when she realizes Connie has died, she struggles because her mistake led to Connie’s death. She feels guilty and ashamed and must work to overcome these feelings and heal. Just as Stella loves Connie, Connie loves Stella, so much that she manages to communicate with Stella even after she has died. Even though Stella’s mistake cost Connie her life, Connie’s love for Stella has not diminished. She understands that good people and animals still make mistakes. The bond between the two brought feelings of worth to Stella and brought love to both Connie and Stella, and this relationship continues even after Connie has died.

Cloe is Stella’s new handler at the end of the novel, and she is the only other person Stella has loved as much as she loved Connie. Their relationship plays a key role in helping Stella heal from her trauma.