Love and Moondogs by Richard McKenna

"Love and Moondogs" by Richard McKenna is a satirical science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around the absurdities that unfold following the space race, particularly the Russian launch of a dog into orbit. The story humorously critiques societal reactions to such events, focusing on themes of love, loyalty, and human-animal relationships, conveyed through the antics of a group of women who form the United Dames of the Dog, advocating for the safe return of the Russian space dog. The plot centers on Martha Stonery, who leads a passionate protest against the plight of a dog sent into orbit by the Russians. As she rallies support, her actions lead to chaotic protests where dogs across America are hung from various places as part of a misguided campaign. The escalating situation captures the attention of authorities and media, revealing the absurd lengths to which people go for their beliefs. Through engaging dialogue and satire, McKenna explores themes of love for pets, societal norms, and the impact of propaganda, culminating in a humorous and thought-provoking confrontation with a Russian official who defends the actions of his country. The story serves as both a critique of Cold War tensions and a reflection on the intertwined lives of humans and their dogs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Download for free

For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.

Other formats & older devices

About this eBook

Author McKenna, Richard, 1913-1964
Illustrator Emshwiller, Ed, 1925-1990
Title Love and Moondogs
Series Title Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, February 1959
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net
Reading Level Reading ease score: 86.2 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Dogs -- Fiction
Subject Space flight to the moon -- Fiction
Subject Cold War -- Fiction
Subject Protest movements -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 60654
Release Date
Last Update Oct 17, 2024
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 327 downloads in the last 30 days.

Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!