What are some literary devices Byars uses in her writing? How do they affect the tone and themes of the novel?

Though Tornado is a dog, he is described in human-like detail throughout the novel. What are some of the primary techniques Byars uses to characterize Tornado?

Tornado includes both emotive themes like loss and resilience in the face of destruction and lighthearted anecdotes. How would you describe the overall tone of the novel? How do comedic and emotionally intense elements of the novel fit together or balance each other?