Dogs are universally known as man’s best friend. In Stone Fox, the deep bond between man and dog is a prominent symbol. Dogs are known to be immensely loyal to their owners, and they tend to symbolize similar meanings in literature. This is definitely the case here as well. Willy and Searchlight adore each other, and they both have an almost telepathic connection. Searchlight seems to understand what Willy and the farm need, when they need it. While the connections between the other dogs and their owners in the novel are undoubtedly strong as well, Little Willy and Searchlight’s connection is rare, having been formed almost at birth

Though the story revolves around the heroic acts of Searchlight, the dogs in the story function as a motif of the loyalty, kindness and the love that their owners have for their pets as well. This motif is most evident near the end of the novel after Searchlight has passed away in an interaction between Little Willy and Stone Fox. Little Willy brushes the snow off of Searchlight’s fur, telling her, “You did real good, girl. Real good. I’m real proud of you. You rest now. Just rest” (37).