So our hero must prove his worth as an evildoer. Helither, meanwhile, wants Bogie to gain Zalzathar's confidence in order to mislead the Forces of Evil into a strategic blunder that Good can take advantage of to win the Final Battle. For his service, both sides promise to return Bogie back to his rightful world and human form. Bogie doesn't much care for Evil, but seems willing to deal if it's in his best interests. That's never explained, but the metaphor is apt.
Dogs can be the most loyal of creatures.
They can also be vicious pack animals. Bogie's chances to return to being human depend upon, paradoxically, what kind of dog he becomes. Of course, his middle name is an obvious clue that our protagonist is the classical anti-hero who says he only looks out for himself, but eventually walks out into the fog to fight the good fight. In the end, this dog's bark proves better than his bite, and for those who may become rabid fans of this book, you'll be pleased to know there's now a sequel, Dog Eat Dog , you can get your own paws on. He makes a living writing corporate marketing communications, which is a kind of fiction without the art.