Love and Moondogs

"Love and Moondogs" by Richard McKenna is a comical science fiction story that pokes fun at the world's reaction to the space race of the 1950s. When the Russians launch a dog into orbit, it sets off a chain of ridiculous events. The story looks at love, loyalty, and how people relate to animals through a group of women called the United Dames of the Dog, who want the space dog to come home safely. Martha Stonery, the main character, starts a big protest that gets out of hand, with dogs hanging all over America as part of the campaign. It all gets so crazy that the authorities and news media get involved, showing how far people will go for what they believe in. McKenna uses funny conversations and satire to talk about loving pets, what's normal in society, and how propaganda affects people, ending with a funny meeting with a Russian official who defends his country's actions. The story makes fun of the Cold War while also looking at how humans and dogs are connected.