The dogs that appear in MURŌ Saisei’s early novels Yōnen jidai (Childhood) and Kekkonsha no shuki (Memoir of a Married Man) assume the role of alter egos reflecting the emotions of the characters. For example, the dog Shiro in Yōnen jidai is depicted positively as sharing with the lonely protagonist the pure memories of the house where he was born, and as guarding the sacredness that he pursues. The dog Kuro in Kekkonsha no shuki is the pet of the protagonist’s wife, and symbolizes her mind and their sex. However, Kuro as the alter ego of the wife represses the mental state of the protagonist as he pursues sacredness. The protagonist in Yōnen jidai becomes aggressive towards what is opposed to his pure memories. However, the lonely protagonist in Kekkonsha no shuki reveals an aggressive attitude towards the wife and dog who repress him. The animals seen in Saisei’s works are alter egos of the human characters and reflect natural forces; therefore, they assume the role of shedding light on the actual state of humanity itself.