Toto

Toto is Dorothy's small black dog, her closest companion and the one creature who keeps her from "growing as gray as her other surroundings" on the Kansas prairie. With his long silky hair, small black eyes that twinkle merrily, and a funny wee nose, Toto is the sole source of laughter and joy in Dorothy's otherwise drab life. He plays with her all day long, and she loves him dearly. When the cyclone strikes, Toto's instinct to hide under the bed triggers the crisis that separates Dorothy from Aunt Em, and he later falls through the open trap door, requiring Dorothy to rescue him by the ear. Throughout the journey to the Emerald City and beyond, Toto remains a steadfast presence, often barking at new acquaintances—the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion—but eventually accepting them as part of the group. He is a fine curiosity to the Munchkins, who have never seen a dog before. In the Deadly Poppy Field, Toto falls asleep beside Dorothy, and the Tin Woodman must carry him in her lap. When the Winged Monkeys capture the party, Toto is carried along, trying to bite his captor. During Dorothy's captivity in the Wicked Witch's castle, Toto is struck by the Witch's umbrella and bites her leg in return, though the Witch does not bleed. Toto's presence is a constant comfort to Dorothy, and he shares her joy when she finally returns to Kansas, jumping out of her arms and running toward the barn, barking furiously.