What is “absolutely the saddest thing in the world”?  Explain why Junior says this and the implication.

               Junior is not accepted in the reservation's community and therefore resorts to his dog, Oscar for support. He calls it “absolutely the saddest thing in the world” since Oscar was the only living creature he could explain himself to, and his only way to express himself orally. Since his father and mother often abused alcohol, Junior felt like he could not be heard clearly by them and his concerns were shrugged off, but with Oscar, he was listened to, heard, and accepted. Though Oscar is a dog, and Junior's best living friend, it is explained on page five that words are "too unpredictable", and "too limited" he thinks that his and Oscar's actions are their best way of communication and understanding, and do not need to be explained. The fact that actions do not need to be explained make them a universal form of communication, which was important for Junior. Oscar was Junior's only escape and his thoughts were all channeled to his best friend and understanding companion, his dog. On page 14 when Oscar was shot, additional sadness followed, Junior felt hopeless since his family was stuck in the cycle of the poverty wheel. Since Oscar was where all of Juniors feelings were told, it was a greater impact of Junior when he was shot because there would be no companion as loyal as him. As well as having Oscar killed, Junior's parents would learn not to buy pets as they would cause grief and depression after death, but this would add to the sadness knowing that a replacement could not come because of financial issues, and that his closest friend would never come back.

               Why do you think it is important for Junior to communicate in a universal way? Do you think that the relation between Oscar being a mutt and Junior being an Indian is important? Why or Why not? Do you think that the relationship between Oscar and Junior was a one or two way relationship of support and affection?