When Homer accidentally shuts Santa's Little Helper in a cupboard Marge and the children accuse him of hating dogs. However Grandpa, staying with the family, tells them that, as a single parent, he bought six year old Homer a dog called Bongo whom the boy adored. After Bongo bit Mr Burns who threatened to kill him Bongo was rehomed in the country and Homer was distraught until he discovered that Bongo was happy with his new owner. This anecdote reconciles Homer with his father and the dog, who all fall asleep on the couch together.
—don @ minifie-1