Adventures in Odyssey Home Page

Pet Peeves

Album: 20: A Journey of Choices

Episode: 268

Lesson/Theme: Responsibility; dealing with change.

Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:8

Characters: Donna, George, Jimmy, Mary, Connie

Writer:

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: May 14, 1994

Last Air Date: February 3, 2009

Description:
Changes, changes, changes. The Barclays have gone through nothing but changes lately, and Donna is unnerved by them all. At Whit's End, she tells Connie that she'd like things to be normal for once. Connie is about to respond when suddenly they hear a crash from the kitchen. They investigate and find a stray dog wreaking havoc among the pots and pans. Donna instantly falls in love with the canine. She wants to take it home, but Connie tells Donna to get her parents' permission first. Meanwhile, the stray is going to the pound. Back at home, Donna has a family meeting, where a vote is taken about whether to keep the dog. George says definitely "no" (which counts for two votes, Barclay family rule), and Jimmy and Donna give two "yesses." This leaves Mary to cast the deciding ballot . . . a "yes." And so the Barclays have a dog! Or more precisely, Donna has a dog. George makes it clear that "Harry," as Donna has named the mutt, is her total responsibility. Donna must feed, water, clean, and care for him all by herself. And she does, at first. Soon it becomes apparent that Harry is more than a handful, though. He tears up everything, barks at all hours of the day and night, and generally makes Donna's life a nightmare. She goes to Whit's End, frustrated by the dog and still unnerved by all the changes in her life. Connie comforts Donna and tells her that change is normal, but the one constant you can depend on in the world is Jesus. Donna realizes Connie is right. Donna is almost ready to take Harry back to the pound when he runs away. The Barclays look everywhere for him, but Harry is nowhere to be found. Donna is despondent. The next day, she goes back to Whit's End to talk to Connie. Suddenly, they hear a familiar crash from the kitchen. They rush in, and Harry is playing in the garbage. Connie suggests Donna rename her dog "Normal". And she does.

Questions:
Why did Donna feel like things weren't normal anymore? Have you ever felt like that? The Barclays took a family vote to decide whether they should get a dog. How does your family make big decisions? Do you have a pet? Is it your responsibility to take care of it? Do you?