Sirius revisited

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 104428

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jen Reese" <stevejjen at e...> wrote:
> 
> Jen: OK Kneasy, I have proof that Sirius is meant to be a good 
> character. Sure, you've heard it before, but it's basically 
> irrefutable fact: JKR made his animagus form a dog. It's that 
> simple! A dog, a pack animal, an animal who believes there's no 
> shame in establishing a pecking order and that some dogs get to be 
> alphas and some dogs don't. He's fiercely loyal to his pack, 
> unafraid of crossing other animals who wander into his territory, 
> and follows instinct rather than reason. There, Sirius in a nutshell.
> 

It might be an indication, but doesn't reach a level I'd accept as proof.

Consider:

Dog eat dog
To die like a dog
To go to the dogs
In the doghouse
A dirty dog
Dog in a manger
Black dog

All of them negative in their connotations.
Interestingly, Black Dog,  besides being fairly common usage for 
melencholia or ill-omen, is also old slang for counterfeit.

Sirius as a member of a pack would be worrying - who is the
pack leader? 'Cos Sirius would be constantly challenging, and
with him in charge, what need for Voldy?

Kneasy