L. T.'s Theory of Pets

Infobox short story |
name = L. T.'s Theory of Pets
author = Stephen King
country = United States
language = English
genre = Horror short story
published_in = "Six Stories" (1st release),
""
publication_type = Anthology
publisher = Philtrum Press (1st release)
media_type = Print (Paperback)
pub_date = 2002
preceded_by =
followed_by =

"L. T.'s Theory of Pets" is a short horror story first released in Stephen King's anthology "Six Stories". It was later released again in another anthology, "". The story however, doesn't feature supernatural or monstrous elements.

Plot summary

The story is told from a first person perspective about a working class husband who recalls a story told by L. T., a chatty co-worker who recalls the brewing trouble behind his marriage, attributed to pets purchased by L. T. and his wife. His wife purchased a dog for L. T. which in turn, disliked him instantly and sided with the wife, while L. T. purchased a cat for his wife, who immediately took to L. T. Despite the fact that the dog and the cat get along fine, L. T. and his wife continuously argue, adding some irony. The story provides an interesting character study, told from the mouth of garrulous L. T. and reveals an unusually bloody twist that has you wondering what became of certain characters.

Stephen King said his story is inspired by people who receive pets as gifts, and how that may be viewed as arrogance in certain circles by assuming the receiver can look after the pet. King himself briefly discusses how he received a Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a present, and has enjoyed its company ever since.