lj115+Rontu+Aru

=**Canine Connection**= = = =In chapters 25 and 26 of //Island of the Blue Dolphins// by Scott O'Dell, Karana's loyal dog Rontu dies of old age, leading her to tame and capture a new dog. Some people may think Rontu should not be replaced, but the reader should know that Rontu would want his son to have the same experience with Karana as he did. Although somebody may think that she doesn't wait long enough, the reader knows that Karana spends a lonely winter by herself. Karana says, " That winter I did not go to the reef at all. I left the house only to get water at the spring." While it is true that Karana gives the dog a similar name, the reader also has to realize that she is honoring Rontu by doing this. Because of all of these reasons, Karana's dog Rontu was truly important in her life.=