An End Summary and Analysis

Gary learns that he has coronary heart disease. The doctor is hopeful that Gary will live a normal life but Gary finds his words a death sentence. He will never again run the Iditarod or his dogs for pleasure. Gary wonders how he will ever live without his dogs. He calls a friend to take all the dogs and pups except Cookie. Gary knows that for the rest of his life he will always wonder how he will live without his team.

The ending of the book is abrupt and almost tragic. The reader feels that in some way Gary is being punished for his decision to lead a simple life. The reader empathizes with Gary over the loss of his dogs. Gary's masterful writing ability allows the reader to form his own relationship with the sled team and...