Comet's Tale (21 page)

Questions for Discussion

1. As he gets to know Comet, Wolf struggles with the idea of anthropomorphism—ascribing human motivations to animals. Do you believe that dogs share some human attributes? If so, which ones?

2. Why do you think Comet “chose” Wolf? How did Comet save Wolf, both literally and figuratively?

3. Of the greyhound traits discussed in the book, which one was most surprising to you and why? Which trait was the least surprising?

4. Because of the way Comet and other greyhound racers are treated, many people advocate for the closing of all dog tracks, meaning one thousand dogs at an average track will need to be saved. Is this a good idea? How might more people learn about these dogs so that more might be willing to adopt them?

5. Classic themes of “settling the West” are reinvention of self and starting over. How do you think these themes apply to Wolf's situation?

6. Wolf's chronic pain had no specific name. Do you think people who suffer from these kinds of vague disabilities are somehow stigmatized? Why?

7. Wolf felt that his friends and family were distancing themselves from him as his physical condition worsened. What type of comfort did Comet, Cody, and Sandoz provide that human beings could not?

8. Throughout his marriage, Wolf used humor as a way to deal with his disability. In which ways was this a useful coping mechanism? How was it detrimental?

9. Wolf's wife and daughters have complicated reactions to his condition. What do you think are the biggest obstacles for a young family to overcome when a parent is suddenly disabled? Has reading
Comet's Tale
broadened your understanding of how illness can influence family dynamics?

10. Toward the end of the book, Wolf recalls J. M. Barrie's observation, saying, “A man's humblest hour is when he compares his life story as it is with what he had hoped to make it.” Can you think of any instances in your own life where the story “as it is” turned out much differently than what you had hoped to make it?

CARRIE E. WEAVER

Steven D. Wol
f
is an active participant in greyhound advocacy. He divides his time between Omaha, Nebraska, and Sedona, Arizona.

Lynette Padwa,
the author of numerous books, including
Everything You Pretend to Know and Are Afraid Someone Will Ask,
has collaborated on many more. She lives in Los Angeles.

Published by

Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill

Post Office Box 2225

Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27515-­2225

a division of

Workman Publishing

225 Varick Street

New York, New York 10014

© 2012 by Steven D. Wolf. All rights reserved.

First paperback edition, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, August 2013. Originally published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill in 2012.

eISBN 978-1-61620-334-4