Enamored by his new trail bike, Joe neglects Wishbone and accidentally loses him in Jackson Park. Meanwhile, the dog is found and adopted by Hubert Lassiter, a grieving widower in need of some companionship. Wishbone is reminded of Silas Marner by George Eliot.
Tropes
- 555: The number on Wishbone's missing poster is 555-5805. Later on in the episode, the number on his collar is 555-9517.note
- Adapted Out: The episode leaves out Silas' backstory and with it his Freudian Excuse for being such a miser in the first place. Molly Farren (Eppie's mother) is only ever referred to in passing without being named, and Nancy Lammeter (Godfrey's second wife) isn't included in the story at all.
- Adoption Conflict: Wishbone is reminded of the story of Silas Marner, as the conflict over Silas' adopted daughter Eppie is similar to the dog's situation in the episode.
- Belated Love Epiphany: At the end of the episode, Joe sums up this trope:Joe: It took losing Wishbone to realize how important he is to me.
- Decomposite Character: In the real-world story, both Joe and Hubert function as stand-ins for Silas Marner. Joe is given Silas' character arc of realizing that love is more important than material things. At the same time, Hubert resembles Silas in terms of being a lonely depressed man whose life is enlivened when he takes in a lost soul.
- Diabolical Dog Catcher: Referenced.Hubert: Where are the dog catchers when you need 'em?
Wishbone: Dog catchers?! Not a pleasant thought. - Foreshadowing: After taking Silas' gold, Dunstan is shown heading off in the direction of a sign reading, "Stone Quarry." This foreshadows his Disney Villain Death, which is later revealed in a Flashback.
- Grumpy Old Man: Hubert starts out as this, but taking care of the lost Wishbone helps him to grow out of it.
- Kick the Morality Pet: Joe is obsessed with a new bike and ties Wishbone to a tree while testing it out since Wishbone can't keep up. Wishbone escapes to play with a Golden Retriever, leaving behind his tags in the process. Joe notably looks regretful while putting up "Lost Dog" signs the next day.
- Pet the Dog: Wanda is usually annoyed by Wishbone, but when he goes missing, she's doesn't hesitate to help find him.
- Stock Animal Name: Not knowing Wishbone's real name, Hubert decides to call him "Spot."Wishbone: Serviceable but not very imaginative, Hubert. How about something deep like Butch or Thor?
- Take a Third Option: Joe wants to test out a new bike, but Wishbone can't keep up, there's no basket for him to ride, and leaving him tied to a tree leads to Wishbone slipping out of his collar and getting lost. When Joe finds out that Hubert saved his dog, he allows Wishbone to hang out with Hubert so that Hubert gets the companionship he needs and Joe can safely test his bike without worrying about Wishbone disappearing.
- Talking to Plants: Hubert's house is full of plants, which he likes to talk to:Hubert: I guess it's nice to have someone to talk to 'sides my plants. I'm a botanist, you know.
Wishbone: Hmm, that explains the jungle.
