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Wellington is Mrs. Shears' dog whose death acts as a catalyst, setting the story in motion and launching Christopher's investigation. Christopher is obsessed with logic, patterns, and calculations, and Wellington's murder disrupts Christopher's ordered existence. In its aftermath, he is desperate to find an answer to explain the suspicious death, just as he would seek a solution to a math equation. He resolutely declares, "I am going to find out who killed Wellington." His investigation drives Christopher forward as he fixates on uncovering the truth.
The investigation also leads Christopher to discover hidden truths about his family—namely that his mother is alive, his father has deceived Christopher into thinking she was dead, both of his parents had affairs, and his father killed Wellington. Wellington therefore comes to symbolize deception and loss of trust. His death is not a random act of violence; rather, it is connected to a complicated web of deceit, disloyalty, and dishonesty.
Wellington also helps to characterize some of the story's central characters. For example, Christopher's father impulsively kills Wellington after an argument with Mrs. Shears. He explains to Christopher that all he could think was that “she cared more about this bloody dog
than she did about you or me.” His actions showcase his jealousy, insecurity, immaturity, and brashness. Wellington also provides insight into Christopher's character; early in the novel, he tells his father, "I think dogs are important, too." His feelings towards Wellington demonstrate that he holds the capacity for kindness and sensitivity, even though he experiences emotions differently than the other characters.
As the investigation comes to a close, readers observe that Christopher has undergone an emotional transformation. After uncovering the truth about Wellington's murder and, relatedly, finding his mother and writing a book, he feels confident and accomplished, capable of both independence and success.
