Dogtown

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of animal cruelty and ableism.

Chance is the protagonist and point-of-view character of Dogtown. A year before the story opens, Chance lost a leg when her dog-sitter’s boyfriend ran her over. Ever since, Chance has successfully lived her life with only three legs, making her a role model for readers with disabilities, particularly as her outlook on her situation remains positive. She isn’t bothered by her appearance, at one point reflecting, “I’m not American Kennel Club material. Big deal” (1). In theory, at least, Chance therefore understands that it’s what is inside someone that counts. Nevertheless, for much of the book, Chance harbors a prejudice against robot dogs because she believes they aren’t “real.” Her character arc takes her toward a more expansive understanding of What It Means to Be Alive, providing readers with a model of navigating bias.

Learning that Metal Head has a heart and is in many ways like her is key to Chance’s development in another respect, as it helps her see how she has let her own heart stop her from looking for what she wants. Chance’s name is fitting because her primary character arc revolves around her learning to take chances to get what she wants.