Family Quotes in The Art of Racing in the Rain

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

But many others were, all of whom were relatives of some kind or another. We were only there, I overheard, because Eve had thought it was very important for Zoë to spend time with these people, since she, Eve, someone said, would die very soon. (25.1)

Zoë doesn't seem to have any connection to these people, but because of social conventions and blood relations, she's mandated to at least meet them before her mother dies. Sure, if that's necessary. But does that really make them family?

Quote #8

The barking of coyotes, my brethren, calling each other to the hunt. (25.4)

Even though Enzo knows he is part of the Swift family, he also acknowledges that the he is still a canine, and as such, he is related to the wilder animals of the night and the forest.

Quote #9

Always pushing the extremes. Finding himself broke. And finding himself on the telephone with his blind mother, asking her for some kind of help, any kind of help, so that he could keep his daughter; and her response that she would give him everything if only she could meet her grandchild. (55.3)

Sometimes families are estranged: just look at Denny and his parents, for example. But real family, the family that is dependable and steadfast despite differences and time, will drop everything to help if they're able. Where his parents were when Denny stubbed his toe that one time, we'll never know, but they pulled through in the end.