A Dog's Purpose

Birth is a motif in A Dog’s Purpose that supports the theme of Purpose in Life and How It Dictates Certain Actions. Bailey is born four times in the novel. From the second birth on, Bailey remembers his past lives and the experiences he had in them. These births are a renewal of life, but they are also another chance for Bailey to continue pursuing his purpose. Each life offers Bailey a lesson that he employs in service of his purpose—which turns out to be reuniting with beloved owner Ethan and bringing happiness to both him and his loved ones.

The first birth is the most exciting for Bailey because he has no previous memories and everything he learns he is learning for the first time. In this first life, Bailey relies more on his siblings and mother than in later lives. In his second life, Bailey is confused by his return but is still inexperienced enough to see the world as a new and exciting place. This Bailey is still something of a blank slate, eager to experience everything life has to offer. The third birth brings Bailey to a place where he has already lived a full life and is wise, able to call upon his previous lessons to manipulate his way into the role of search-and-rescue dog to a degree.