Endurance Part III Chapters 1-3

At this point in the journey, it is difficult for Shackleton to keep his men optimistic. The men, who fought off a pessimistic attitude throughout many hardships, are beginning to come to terms with their perilous situation. The freezing temperatures and severe lack of food were taking its toll on the crew. However, the most painful aspect of this section is when Shackleton ordered some of the teams of dogs killed for food. By this point, the dogs had become like family to the lonely men. Dogs are perfect for those, like the crew, who are seeking company. They are great listeners, and are always eager to cuddle and play. These attributes made it a challenge for the men not to form attachments to the animals.

"Though the dogs were vicious, surly beasts with one another, their devotion and loyalty toward the men was above question. And the men responded with an affection greatly surpassing anything they would have felt under ordinary circumstance."

This emotional struggle for the men must have been heartwrenching. I had two dogs, and parting with them was increadibly upsetting to me. Dogs become more then pets, they become your family. What the men of Endurance had to go through with the dogs must have been ten times worse then my own situation, as they really did not have much else. The dogs were one of the few joys they had in their days. The love the men felt for the dogs is shown in the premature eulogy Macklin writes about losing one of his puppies.

"He is a fine little dog, hardworking and of good disposition. Also I have had him, fed him, and trained him since he was born. I remember taking him out when he was a puppy in my pocket, only his nose peeping out and getting covered with frost. I used to take him on the sledge when I was driving the team, and in those early days he used to take an active interest in the doings of the dogs."