From Wizarding Owls to Secret Agents: Our Favourite Fictional Pets
Our furry, cuddly, feathery, and sometimes scaly friends add bounds of joy and a touch of chaos to our lives. The random cat hair clinging to our sweaters, the enthusiastic tail wags of our dogs, the playful bubbles of our fish, or even the slithering around of a beloved reptile, never fail to bring a smile to our faces. Not only do pets brighten up our lives, but they also make fantastic friends with many of our favourite fictional characters. Trustworthy or mischievous, animalistic or anthropomorphic, these creatures leave a mark on our imaginations. So, let’s dive into the world of some unforgettable fictional pets!
Hedwig, the Snowy Owl from Harry Potter: The Harry Potter series is close to every book lover’s heart. Like many others, JK Rowling’s world ignited my bibliophilia, as well as my love for owls. Hedwig, along with being a symbol of the magical world, was Harry Potter’s constant companion. Her strength and protectiveness made her an invaluable friend. Traversing through the dangerous wizarding skies, she delivered vital messages and offered silent support. Due to her unwavering loyalty, she was able to save Harry at the cost of her own life, a tragedy I’m still not over. Hedwig’s snowy feathers symbolize purity and hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, loyal friendship offers light and solace.
Toto, the cairn terrier from The Wizard of Oz: A classic fantasy tale, many of us grew up reading or watching the Wizard of Oz. There were many novel characters in L. Frank Baum’s whimsical world, but for me, Toto wins the award. An endearing sidekick, Toto proves how a dog is a man’s, or in this case, a little girl’s best friend. He embodies bravery, comfort, and familiarity, and reminds Dorothy that home is more than just a place, it’s a feeling of love and security. Navigating through the fantastical and frightening world of Oz, Toto’s presence gives her the courage to encounter the intimidating Wicked Witch of the West. His presence assures Dorothy that she’s never alone and encourages her to face her fears. To dive into Dorothy and Toto’s playful world, grab a copy of a beautiful rendition of the classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by Niyogi Books!
Clifford the Big Red Dog: Imagine a pet dog the size of a house! Norman Bridwell’s character, Clifford the Big Red Dog, broke records in 1963, and is still one of the most popular children’s book characters of all time. Whether you know him from his books, movies, shows, or games, Clifford is most definitely engraved in everyone’s memories. His gentle yet clumsy nature and excessive enthusiasm are endearing traits, making him a great pet and a fun playmate. What makes Clifford so memorable is the fact that he personifies the values parents and teachers hope to inculcate in children such as kindness, compassion, and gratitude. Even though his size tends to cause little accidents around the house, his mistakes are always forgiven by Emily Elizabeth, portraying the unconditional love she has for him.
Toothless, the dragon from How to Train Your Dragon: The ‘dangerous’ Night Fury from the movie, How to Train Your Dragon, certainly redefines the perception of a pet. Sure, he’s a fiery dragon capable of mass destruction, but once you get to know and love him, he’s nothing short of an overgrown dog who mistakes poor sheep for chew toys and takes Hiccup on unexpected aerial rides. Beneath his fearsome exterior lies a playful and highly intelligent creature, whose unfaltering loyalty and trustworthiness are a testament to unexpected friendships. Once you gain his trust, his expressive eyes and playful demeanour are sure to capture your heart.
Hachiko from Hachiko- The True Story of a Loyal Dog: Based on a true story, Hachiko’s tale serves as a powerful reminder of the unconditional bond that can exist between humans and animals. Hachiko would faithfully accompany Professor Ueno to the train station and wait for his return. Even after the tragic death of his owner, he continued to wait for Professor Ueno for nine years, nine months, and fifteen days. He became popular among the train station staff and the regular pedestrians. His story spread, making him a national hero, and when he passed away, a bronze statue was established on the spot where he used to wait every day. Whether we read the book by Pamela S. Turner or watch the American film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, Hachiko’s persistence and loyalty will always leave us in tears.
Perry The Platypus from Phineas and Ferb: Set in the quaint town of Danville, the Flynn-Fletcher household seems perfectly normal, with a middle-aged couple, their teenage daughter, her two brothers, Phineas and Ferb, and their pet platypus, who seemingly ‘does nothing’. Little do they know that when the boys are busy building their ingenious inventions and Candace is busy making futile attempts to bust them, Perry the Platypus is James Bond-ing his way down the streets (or skies) of Danville, battling the not-so-evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz to protect the Tri-State Area. With his double life as a secret agent, he often tends to disappear, which prompts the question, “Where’s Perry?” At the end of the day, wherever Perry is, he always returns back to his family to cuddle with the boys and ‘do nothing’. His bravery and resourcefulness and his love for his host family make him a brilliant secret agent and an ideal pet.
Snowy, the wire fox terrier from The Adventures of Tintin: Snowy, the white wire-haired fox terrier from The Adventures of Tintin, is Tintin’s loyal companion. Unlike his owner, this talking dog yearns for peace and quiet and is always skeptical of Tintin’s ideas. Though he tends to stray away due to his sweet tooth and scrappy nature, Snowy’s loyalty never wavers and he always rescues his master from perilous situations. His weakness for juicy bones lying on the street or whiskey leaking from barrels makes him a lovable character. More than a pet, Snowy’s sharp intellect and keen sense of smell often prove to be invaluable when navigating treacherous circumstances. He’s a trusted ally and friend, enriching the timeless tales of Tintin with his endearing charm and unwavering spirit.
Writing about these unforgettable pets from memorable books, movies, and shows was a trip down memory lane. Regardless of their size, species, or even plasma-throwing abilities, they managed to bring joy to their owners. These extraordinary creatures embody the profound bond humans share with animals, reminding us of the warmth and unconditional affection their playful spirits ignite within our hearts. At Niyogi Books, we understand the significance of this bond, which is why we have curated some books that illustrate the same. From Munshi Premchand’s timeless stories, ‘A Dog’s Tale and Jungle Stories,’ to the gripping narratives of ‘The Last Call and Other Stories’ by Ira Saxena, and the heartwarming classic, ‘Kids and Cubs,’ by Olga Perovskaya, these books beautifully show the depth of emotion and companionship shared between pets and their owners. So, this National Pet Day, make sure to give an extra treat or two to your dog or cat or iguana, and let them know how important and loved they are!
