The storyline of Farley’s death was annoying on several points. For 12 years, the family is established as living in a mundane suburb of Toronto, then, during a rainy spell, the author magically introduces a river running adjacent to the house, which now sits on the edge of a steep ravine—a locale never before established in the storyline. One scene even suggests mountains in the distance. The locale is suddenly potentially dangerous, something not established prior. Neither April, nor any of the children over the previous 12 years, were told to stay away from the area, because the ravine and river didn’t exist. Regardless, once she falls in the river, swollen menacingly with the heavy rain, she would have been swept downstream, as would have Farley if he had grabbed her, but he’s magically able to dog paddle in place for however long it takes the family to all come down and help. All of this ridiculous forced narrative to make the dog and father appear heroes. Meanwhile, little April will live the rest of her life knowing she was responsible for the death of the beloved family pet. We’ll pretend that wouldn’t be a consequence!
I guess Rat doesn’t appreciate announcements to let people know you haven’t dropped off the face of the Earth. FYI, the last panel is redundant.