As he gets to know Comet, Wolf struggles with the idea of anthropomorphism—ascribing human motivations to animals. Do you believe that dogs share some human attributes? If so, which ones?

Why do you think Comet “chose” Wolf? How did Comet save Wolf, both literally and figuratively?

Of the greyhound traits discussed in the book, which one was most surprising to you, and why? Which trait was the least surprising?

Because of the way Comet and other greyhound racers are treated, many people advocate for the closing of all dog tracks, meaning one thousand dogs at an average track will need to be saved. Is closing the tracks a good idea? How might more people learn about these dogs, so that more might be willing to adopt them?

Reinvention of self and starting over are classic themes of “settling the West.” How do you think these themes apply to Wolf’s situation?

Wolf’s chronic pain had no specific name. Do you think people who suffer from those kinds of vague disabilities are somehow stigmatized? Why?

Wolf felt that his friends and family were distancing themselves from him as his physical condition worsened. What type of comfort did Comet, Cody, and Sandoz provide that human beings could not?

Throughout his marriage, Wolf used humor as a way to deal with his disability. Was this a useful coping mechanism? Was it ever detrimental?

Do you think reading Comet’s Tale might influence your reaction if you learned that you were ill? How would you share the news with your family and friends? What would you ask of them?

What do you think are the biggest obstacles for a young family to overcome when one parent is suddenly disabled?

Toward the end of the book, Wolf recalls the saying, “A man’s humblest hour is when he compares his life story as it is with what he had hoped to make it” (page 237). Can you think of any instances in your own life in which the story “as it is” turned out much differently than what you had hoped to make it?