Author, Tammy Forster and illustrator, Margeaux Davis in their heart-warming picture book, Dog Stayed, published by Allen and Unwin, explore love, loss, grief and the transformative power of connection.
The reader is introduced to Mr Hindbottom and quickly learns his likes and dislikes. He is a homebody, but when venturing out, seems gruff as he waves his cane and blows his nose while interacting with others. The stunning illustrations gives clues about his past and his current situation of grief, utter loneliness and isolation.
When a salesman comes to his door, Mr Hindbottom is quick to dismiss him and yells at the man to take his dog with him. The dog does not belong to the man and chooses to stay.
The dog’s quiet persistence gradually wears down Mr Hindbottom’s resistance. What begins as outright refusal to engage slowly shifts into reluctant care and later companionship.
The bond between Mr Hindbottom and the dog deepens as they learn to enjoy each other’s company and gently teach one another new ways of being. Together they savour the simple pleasures of life; sunsets, drives to the ocean, fishing and more. As Mr Hindbottom opens his heart to the dog, he also opens his once dark home to sunlight and the presence of others. What was once a lonely space becomes a warm, welcoming place where he reconnects happily with the world around him.
As the story progresses, Mr Hindbottom ages, with the dog offering support in whatever small ways it can. Mr Hindbottom begins spending his days in his pyjamas, no longer able to do some of the things he once could, retreating further into the quiet rhythms of old age. The dog remains a constant, loyal presence beside him until the inevitable moment arrives.
Mr Hindbottom’s house becomes a hive of activity as it is prepared to be sold, but with all the changes, the one constant is the dog who stays.
Mr Hindbottom’s house becomes a hive of activity as it is prepared to be sold, but with all the changes, the one constant is the dog who stays.
The illustrations, including the endpapers (look out for the difference between the opening and ending ones), are not only striking, but rich with visual clues about Mr Hindbottom’s life. Each spread demands close attention, revealing memories and details about his life. The colour palette mirrors his journey shifting from sombre and subdued colours that reflect loss and grief to warmer, more luminous hues as he connects with the dog, his community and ultimately with himself. This visual progression reinforces the narrative arc, allowing readers to feel his transformation.
This story is a sensitive exploration of loss and grief, showing that comfort and reconnection can emerge gradually and slowly, as a tender heart learns to live alongside what it has lost. Through the companionship between Mr Hindbottom and the dog, readers see how love, routine, and simple shared experiences may slowly help a person experiencing grief.