Dawa Koto
Dawa Koto the yellow-brown dog is the main character in the novel. He is born in the cold December night in a dark alley in Paro town. He becomes an orphan when his family dies by eating a chuck of pork poisoned by human. Dawa has many amazing qualities, but it is his voice that shapes his life. He understands human languages because he was a translator in his previous life. He chose to call himself Dawa because he finds that he was as flawless as the moon. In Thimphu he was chosen as a howling leader and he also gets afflicted with mange.He goes to Bumthang in search of Gelong Ma Pelmo’s cave to cure himself from mange. After curing himself he goes back to Paro and Thimphu, and finds out that many things have changed in his absences. Finally he decides to spend his dog days at Changangkha.
Molay
Molay is an ancient grandmother who claims that at least half the dog population in Paro originated from her. She is reputed to be one of the wisest and oldest dogs in Paro. It is Molay who tells Dawa that there are other places beyond Paro which encourages Dawa to travel beyond the region.
Dampa
Dampa is a small and old muddy-colored dog with a white neck who has a peculiar heart shaped face. His eyes were large that would sparkle brightly and suddenly change to a clouded, vacant look. His body was slight, and his legs were spindly. He moves with swiftness that few dogs would be able to match. He lives in Changangkha and considers a true resident of Thimphu for being born right next to the temple. He speaks pure Dzongkha. Dawa first met Dampa during party at Lungtenphu. It is Dampa who advices Dawa to learn how to speak pure Dzongkha and who sends Dawa to school to learn honorific terms. When Dawa wanted to know where Gelong Ma Pelmo’s cave, it is Dampa who tells where the cave is and helps him find a dog who knows the detail to go to Tang.
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