Final answer:
Writers often attribute human qualities to dogs as a form of anthropomorphism, helping to create a deeper connection between readers and non-human characters. This can emphasize themes of companionship, survival, and mutual understanding between humans and animals, leading to reflection on empathy and interconnectedness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The writer might relate Amir’s dog to a human as a literary device known as anthropomorphism, which involves attributing human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects. This technique allows readers to connect more deeply with non-human characters by providing them with relatable traits and emotions. In stories, giving a dog human qualities can emphasize the bond between the dog and its owner, highlight the dog's intelligence and emotional complexity, or serve to illustrate themes related to nature, survival, and companionship. For instance, in London's story, the comparison between the man and his wolf-dog companion serves to illustrate their differences in adaptation and understanding of the environment, underscoring the instinctual wisdom of the dog in contrast to the man's insufficient awareness. Similarly, the story of the fireman and his search dog demonstrates the depth of emotion and empathy that can exist in the relationship between humans and animals. These human-like qualities can lead readers to reflect on broader philosophical questions such as the nature of empathy and the interconnectedness of all beings.