Pet, Patty, and the Animals of the Homestead

Little House on the Prairie

This branch follows the animal life of the claim, from the two black horses and their colt to the cow and calf and the dog Jack.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Jack Lost and Found Jack Lost and Found from "Little House on the Prairie". Jack Lost and Found Scene After the flooded creek, the family realizes Jack is gone and cannot find him.

Jack Lost and Found from "Little House on the Prairie". Jack Lost and Found Scene After the flooded creek, the family realizes Jack is gone and cannot find him.

Jack Lost and Found Scene After the flooded creek, the family realizes Jack is gone and cannot find him. That night two green eyes appear in the darkness, and Laura fears a wolf, but it is Jack running toward them. Meaning The dog's return restores the family circle and shows Jack's instinct to protect them even in wild country. Without him, the night feels far more dangerous. Aftermath Jack sleeps close to Laura, and the family moves on toward the High Prairie with their guardian restored.

Pet Gives Birth to a Colt Pet Gives Birth to a Colt from "Little House on the Prairie". Pet Gives Birth to a Colt Scene Laura enters the stable and finds a little colt with long ears standing beside Pet.

Pet Gives Birth to a Colt from "Little House on the Prairie". Pet Gives Birth to a Colt Scene Laura enters the stable and finds a little colt with long ears standing beside Pet.

Pet Gives Birth to a Colt Scene Laura enters the stable and finds a little colt with long ears standing beside Pet. Pet lays back her ears and shows her teeth when Laura runs too close. Meaning The new foal represents the future of the homestead, a sign that the animals are thriving in the new land. Pet's protectiveness teaches Laura to respect the mother's bond. Aftermath Pa calms Pet and keeps the girls back, and the colt grows through the summer alongside the family.

The Cow Calf Arrive From the Drive

The Cow Calf Arrive From the Drive Scene The thin cow and small calf are tied to the stable, left behind because they could not sell or travel. Ma's eyes widen, and Pa milks the cow for Baby Carrie. Meaning Animals reshape the household economy, providing fresh milk and meat. They also give the claim a fuller sense of a working farm. Aftermath The cow and calf become part of the little nursery of animals around the house, and later Pa gives them to Mr Scott when leaving.

Horses and Plough in the New Field

Horses and Plough in the New Field Scene Pet and Patty pull the plough through the blackened prairie, turning over the rich grassy earth. Pa shouts encouragement as the furrows lengthen around the claim. Meaning The horses become partners in Pa's ambition to farm the land. Their strength turns the dream of seeds into an actual field. Aftermath Mary and Laura help Ma plant the seeds, and the animals rest in the stable while the garden begins to grow.

The Animals Left Behind The Animals Left Behind from "Little House on the Prairie". The Animals Left Behind Scene Pa gives the cow and calf to Mr Scott, and the colt's fate is left unspoken as the family prepares to go.

The Animals Left Behind from "Little House on the Prairie". The Animals Left Behind Scene Pa gives the cow and calf to Mr Scott, and the colt's fate is left unspoken as the family prepares to go.

The Animals Left Behind Scene Pa gives the cow and calf to Mr Scott, and the colt's fate is left unspoken as the family prepares to go. Jack goes under the wagon, while Pet and Patty are hitched in their places. Meaning Animals are tied to the land in a way the humans are not. The family can carry only what the wagon can hold. Aftermath The horses carry the family away, Jack trots beneath the wagon, and the other animals remain behind with the little house and the empty prairie.

during the first night after the creek crossing

the morning after the stable is finished

after the cattle drive, in midsummer

the spring after the prairie fire

on departure morning, when the wagon is loaded