Tapka by David Bezmozgis

Tapka was an emotionally devastating story about a Russian immigrant child who takes care of his neighbor's Lhasa Apso, Tapka which ends in a black hole of depression with Tapka being hit by a car and dying a slow painful death thanks to Mark and Jana's irresponsible behavior with the dog.

The main character of the story is a seven year old Russian immigrant named Mark whose family lives in a small apartment building with his parents, his aunt, uncle, cousin and the Nahumovsky couple. When the Nahumosvky's Lhasa Apso, Tapka, arrives from quarantine, Mark and his cousin Jana immediately fall in love with the dog, even assuming some responsibilities for Tapka most seven-year-olds would not be open to.

However, regardless of his love for Tapka, Mark is still an immature seven year old boy. When he and Jana are playing fetch with Tapka, Jana starts insulting Tapka, knowing the dog will not understand. Mark sees that this is wrong, but of course succumbs to the peer pressure of taunting the dog.

The point of view and voice of the story is from the point of view of Mark, the protagonist. Clearly, he is much older when he speaks as the narrator, as he is speaking in past tense. He is recalling his time as a young boy with Tapka. The voice is far more mature than that of a seven year old boy.

The pace of the story is relaxed and care-free. This is an appropriate pace because tragedy always seems to strike when people are at their happiest and feel nothing can go wrong. When Tapka is in the intensive care at the vet, the pace is agonizingly slow. The reader feels like they are in the waiting room with Mark's family and the Nahumovsky's. As a person who has lost pets to tragedy, I understand the slow, time-stopping despair of the waiting room. 

Mark's guilt at the end of the story was heart shattering and full of truth. Even though Tapka had a chance, the fact was Mark is what caused this tragedy in the first place. He has to live with that guilt. Judging by the tone at the end of the story, Mark may still be living with that guilt.