The Great Pet Heist

The motif of buttons appears frequently in the novel, from the inciting incident all the way to the conclusion, and the meaning behind it changes as the novel progresses. The first significant button in the story appears when the pets’ owner collapses on the floor. A small plastic device with a button rests on a cord around Mrs. Food’s neck, and the pets recall their owner saying that it “would save her” in an emergency (6). Even though the pets don’t understand what the device is and worry that it could “[e]nd the world” (6), Walt ends up pushing the button anyway (partially because she likes buttons). This decision, while rooted in humor, is ultimately what saves their owner’s life, as it calls an ambulance and medical personnel. Thus, the first button initiates the theme of Agency and Ingenuity in the Face of Powerlessness, as it begins the pets’ united front against future obstacles while symbolizing the protective power of non-traditional family units. This theme is further exemplified as Butterbean, Walt, and Polo navigate the elevator, pressing buttons to explore various floors and travel to destinations important to their mission. Here, the buttons continue to symbolize ingenuity as well as their ongoing journey to power and agency.

The motif evolves significantly when one of the sparkling buttons on Madison’s sweater falls onto the floor and Polo claims it as a gift from Madison that is “the most beautiful thing EVER” (41). While the button represents both treasure and friendship to Polo, this exact object is what later endangers Madison: the Coin Man notice’s the remaining sparkling buttons on Madison’s sweater when he sees her in the elevator, and later, when Polo accidentally leaves the button behind in the Coin Man’s apartment, the thief kidnaps Madison, believing that she is the one who stole the coins from his apartment. After the pets’ actions inadvertently endanger their newest human caretaker, Walt declares, “We need to pull off another heist. An anti-heist. We need to give the coins back” (195). This decision marks a crucial development in their collective character. Their ingenuity is no longer just a tool for survival but a means to protect a member of their non-traditional family. The “anti-heist” demonstrates that their agency is tempered by loyalty and a sense of justice, proving that their resourcefulness is most powerful when used in the service of others. Finally, after the pets save Madison and Polo, Polo also finds a “new button” in Madison’s pocket that is “kind of like a treasure” (242), symbolizing the ultimate success of their quest as well as the promise of continued friendship with the girl. Through the button motif, the pets redefine their purpose, solidifying their found family.