Question

“The dog whined with pain when he was moved, but still licked Gobaly’s hand, as if he understood that he was his friend and did not mean to hurt him.” What does it mean that the dog “understood” that Gobaly was his friend? What is it about Gobaly that makes him such a good friend? Do you look for those same qualities in your friends?

Answer 1

It means that the dog realised that Gobaly wasnt an enemy. So whilst he may not have literally understood, since he's a dog, he still knew that Gobaly was friendly and did not mean any harm.

Gobaly is gentle and careful so that makes him a good friend.