That Pup

by Ellis Parker Butler

"That Pup" by Ellis Parker Butler is a humorous short story written in the early 20th century. In this whimsical tale, the focal point is a peculiar dog named Fluff, who is the subject of an ongoing debate among the neighbors regarding his breed and rearing. The story explores themes of companionship, ownership, and the often humorous and frustrating realities of pet ownership. In the narrative, Murchison, a neighbor who inadvertently becomes the owner of Fluff, finds himself at odds with the dog’s raucous behavior, particularly its incessant howling. Despite attempts by three local men—Murchison, Brownlee, and Massett—to define Fluff by his mixed lineage and train him into a proper hunting dog, the dog instead becomes renowned for his chaotic, clumsy antics and his ability to run wildly at the mere sight of a gun. The story cleverly showcases the absurdity of their plans to get rid of Fluff, ultimately revealing the deeper connection and responsibility that comes with pet ownership, albeit in a lighthearted and comic fashion.