The Inuit, at the time I visited Igloolik, had no tradition of keeping animals as companions. A sled dog was more or less a piece of equipment. When I told Makabe Nartok that I had a cat, he asked, "What do you use it for?" In America, pets are family, never fare.
During the author's visit to Igloolik, she observed that the Inuit culture did not traditionally involve keeping animals as pets. Instead, sled dogs were viewed primarily as tools necessary for survival. This perspective highlights a significant cultural difference regarding the relationship between humans and animals.
When the author shared her experience of having a cat, her conversation partner, Makabe Nartok, expressed confusion, asking what purpose a pet serves. This interaction underscores how, in contrast to American culture, where pets are often considered family members, some cultures prioritize practical uses for animals over companionship.
