In his first appearance, Billy Shoepack was described to be just as dangerous as a real alligator due to his personality and common occupation of transporting dynamite. However, after he helped The Star Tugs and Zug out of an unusual situation, they came to appreciate him. In his second and final appearance, Up River, he helped Sunshine out of a burning logjam. Unfortunately, the blast caused the logs to be washed downstream, out of control, so he got few thanks.