Chapter 7, The Dog that Bit People Summary and Analysis

Muggs is a "big, burly, choleric dog" that excludes Thurber from the family. Muggs refuses to kill mice, turning them into virtual domestic pets, but bites humans with regularity, bringing complaints to the police department. Mother does not have the heart to humiliate Muggs by restraining him and blames the victims for provoking his bites. She also prefers to meet vendors of ice, milk, etc., down the street and carry the products home.

Muggs is never in a good mood, even after meals, but is particularly nasty in the morning. When Thurber foolhardily punishes Muggs, he is chased around and bounds onto the fireplace mantelpiece for safety. The noise of its collapse makes Muggs avoid entering the house, so when Mother wants him inside, she has to rattle a homemade "thunder-machine...