The Dog and The Farmer
is a Courage the Cowardly Dog one-shot fanfic by Hauchen.
Eustace Bagge is an enigma to Courage: he’s a bitter curmudgeon who has had it in for the poor dog yet has managed to find someone wonderful, such as Muriel, to be his bride. But Courage soon learns that few people are caricatures.
’’The Dog and the Farmer’’ contains the following examples:
- Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: Eustace is a greedy, mean, cruel man, bossy toward his wife Muriel, and generally unpleasant, with it being rare that he is nice or affectionate even to his wife. However, when Muriel becomes sick and is taken to the hospital, he is genuinely crestfallen and visits her daily, and he is heartbroken when Muriel passes away.
- Bittersweet Ending: Muriel dies, leaving behind a grief-stricken Courage and Eustace. But the latter, albeit begrudgingly, begins treating Courage with more magnanimity. Despite mourning Muriel, Courage sees things will start looking up for him in the future.
- Due to the Dead: It is heavily implied Eustace’s better treatment of Courage is his way of honoring Muriel.
- Misery Builds Character: The loss of his beloved wife turns Eustace into a more caring caretaker for Courage.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Courage is floored when Eustace shows concern about anyone but himself.
- Took a Level in Kindness: After Muriel’s passing, Eustace starts treating Courage with greater decency, albeit while retaining a grumpy disposition.
