THE KIRKMAN READER

Discussion Questions and Writing Prompts “Four-Legged Reason to Keep It Together” > l in k t o p iec e <

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Discuss

1. In this essay, author Timothy Braun tells the story of adopting Dusty, a shelter dog. How does Dusty improve Braun’s life? How does this dog complicate Braun’s life? Do the improvements outweigh the complications, or vice versa? 2. Braun admits that he might not make a good dog owner. What reasons does he give? Why does he adopt Dusty anyway? What lifestyle changes does Braun make to accommodate Dusty? How does Dusty affect Braun’s relationships with other people? 3. Why does Braun share this particular story with his readers? Why does he focus on Dusty instead of, say, the breakup with his fiancée? 4. Do pets improve people’s lives? Have you had an animal that makes you a better person? Or are pets a nuisance that, in your opinion, people would be better off without?

Write 1. An animal that made you a better (or worse) person 2. A way that a pet can improve (or complicate) your life 3. An unexpected encounter that steered your life in a different direction

Prepared by Robin L. Simmons