Brian's Hunt

When Brian finds the dog, he discovers that she fills a need for companionship in his life that he didn’t know he had. Paulsen highlights how quickly Brian and the dog form a bond, and the way Brian comes to rely on the dog in just a few days’ time. Through Brian’s relationship with the dog, Paulsen illustrates the basic human need for companionship that Brian is forced to confront for the first time. While Brian has learned that the woods are his home and where he belongs, he hasn’t learned that he needs a friend to be truly fulfilled and happy..

The dog’s presence also demonstrates the possibility of connection between humans and animals. While Brian has talked to animals in the past, he feels that the dog understands him in a way other animals—fish, wolves, deer, etc.—could not. Paulsen shows that a dog’s companionship is unique from other types of animals, suggesting that humans can form closer connections with some animal types more than others. Paulsen stresses that the dog is a domesticated breed, which has been purpose-made for human companionship. Human intervention in the life of animals like the dog stresses the need for human-animal companionship as a basic need throughout human history.

The motif of companionship helps Paulsen explore the theme of Respect for Nature. When Brian first finds the dog, he helps her by treating her injuries and feeding her. Brian’s treatment of the dog shows his respect for living things. His care and concern for the dog builds the bond between them, and the dog later saves Brian’s life when she defends him against the bear. Paulsen shows that by doing the right thing and caring for the dog, Brian builds a sense of companionship that is not only emotionally fulfilling, but also physically essential to him. Brian requires the dog’s aid to defeat the bear, reflecting his humble attitude towards nature. Brian is not able to survive within nature without the help of animal companionship.