Behind the Net

Daisy, the stray dog that Jamie adopts, functions as a secondary and supporting character in the novel. She also serves as a plot device to bring Jamie and Pippa together and provides a reason for them to spend time getting to know one another. His decision to adopt and care for the dog is the inciting incident that makes Jamie agree to have a personal assistant, thus providing the impetus for Pippa to enter his life. This foreshadows Jamie’s softening heart and his ability to care for more than just hockey and his mother. As such, Daisy becomes a symbol of Jamie’s ability to open his heart to new loves.

Initially, his hesitation to name the dog mirrors Jamie’s reluctance to form new attachments as he fears he doesn’t have time or energy to spare. Pippa is the one who names the dog, illustrating Pippa’s ease with demonstrating affection. Adopting the dog is a precursor to Jamie’s inviting Pippa to live with him, his first step toward inviting someone besides his mother into his life. After adopting the dog, Jamie realizes that he can admit another entity into his life and in fact, wants that connection. Jamie reaches out to Pippa for similar reasons; he sees her as lost and wants to help take care of her.