Throughout the beginning chapters of the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” the ownership of animals as pets is implied to be among the most important aspects of life on post World War Terminus Earth. The obvious deep meaning behind caring for an animal is mentioned early on when Rick (the protagonist) is talking to his neighbor about their animals. In conversation, his neighbor mentions that people consider it immoral and anti-empathetic to not take care of an animal, even though it is no longer mandated by the government, as it was in the immediate aftermath of WWT. That of course begs the question, why was this policy put into place, and does it fully explain the connection the earthlings have with animals, or is the connection deeper?
Prior to their conversation, when introducing Rick’s electric sheep, the narrator states that “To say, “Is your sheep genuine?” would be a worse breach of manners than to inquire whether a citizen’s teeth, hair, or internal organs would test out authentic.” This implies that people’s pets are beyond companions, but they have become integral to their lives and something that people can’t live without.
Despite this obvious need to own animals, it seems as though the animals serve no purpose. When Rick walks up on his apartment building rooftop to see his sheep, all the animals are simply tethered in place, or grazing on grass. There is clearly something missing in this equation, some explanation for why these animals are seen as being of the utmost importance, yet also seemingly not, based on how they are left alone by their owners. I’m sure more will be revealed upon continuing my reading.
Great American Novels 