Dogs

Dogs, once ubiquitous companions to humanity, are among the domestic animals most devastated by the superflu pandemic. The disease, which kills over 99% of the human population, proves almost universally fatal to dogs as well, leaving them as a rare and poignant sight in the post-apocalyptic landscape. Their near-total disappearance has immediate and far-reaching ecological consequences, as the novel explores through the observations of characters like Glen Bateman. The few surviving dogs, most notably Kojak, become symbols of loyalty, resilience, and a fragile connection to the lost world, their presence offering both comfort and a stark reminder of what has been lost.

The Plague's Toll and Ecological Aftermath

The superflu, known as Captain Trips, is not selective in its devastation of dogs. Stu Redman, walking across New Hampshire, notes that he has seen a great many dead dogs since leaving Stovington, but no live ones. This observation is confirmed by Glen Bateman, who points out that Kojak seems to be one of a kind, the only dog he has encountered. The disease's impact on the canine population is part of a larger, seemingly capricious pattern: men, dogs, and horses catch it, while cows and deer do not. This selective mortality triggers a cascade of ecological shifts. Bateman theorizes that with the dog population removed, the deer—who are immune—will run wild, their population unchecked by hunting or predation. He predicts that in a few years, one would have to elbow deer out of the way to walk down the road. Similarly, the unchecked proliferation of cats, who also seem immune, could alter the balance of rat populations, which were initially decimated but are making a comeback. The loss of dogs thus represents a fundamental disruption of the natural order, a slow violence that will reshape the environment for years to come.

Kojak: A Symbol of Loyalty and Connection

Kojak, an auburn Irish setter, is the most prominent surviving dog in the novel. He is first encountered by Stu Redman, who meets him and his owner, Glen Bateman, on a road in New Hampshire. Kojak is a joyful, friendly dog, and his presence immediately lifts Stu's spirits, marking the first human contact he has had in days. Kojak's loyalty is extraordinary; after being left behind in New Hampshire when Glen joins the journey west, he follows his master across the continent, a journey of over two thousand miles. He arrives in Boulder, Colorado, battered and scarred from a fight with wolves, a testament to his incredible determination and bond with Glen. Kojak's presence provides comfort and a sense of normalcy in the shattered world. He is a living link to the past, a creature of simple needs and unwavering affection, and his eventual reunion with Glen is a moment of profound emotional relief.

The Role of Dogs in the New World

In the Boulder Free Zone, Kojak becomes a symbol of hope and a potential for renewal. His arrival, along with the later discovery of a female Irish setter puppy by Susan Stern, raises the possibility of re-establishing a dog population. Dick Ellis, the veterinarian, is overjoyed at the prospect of the two dogs breeding, seeing it as a small but vital step toward rebuilding the world. Kojak also plays a crucial role in the final act of the story. When Stu Redman is left behind with a broken leg and a severe infection, Kojak stays with him, providing warmth and hunting rabbits to keep him alive. He is a steadfast companion in Stu's darkest hour, embodying the loyalty and resilience that are essential for survival. Kojak's actions are not merely instinctual; they are a form of care and partnership that transcends the human-animal divide, highlighting the deep bonds that can form in the face of shared adversity. The dog's presence in the novel serves as a powerful counterpoint to the human capacity for both destruction and enduring love.