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Working in service of the Canadian government, Francois and Perrault lead a dog-sled team across the Klondike region to deliver mail. Perrault purchases Buck from the man in the red sweater to join the team, and this experience offers Buck his first taste of life in the wilderness. The fair and steady leadership of Francois and Perrault, however, ensures that a sense of structure is still in place. Each dog has a clear role to play in pulling the sled, and under the control of man’s club, they all receive equal treatment. As a result of these practices, this controlled environment contrasts significantly with the chaotic and unpredictable situations in which Buck finds himself later in the novel. Francois and Perrault also have individual responsibilities that allow the dog-sled team to perform at its best. Perrault is often at the front of the team, both in terms of interacting with others and forging their path through the wilderness. He has a keen understanding of dogs, and he takes care to procure dogs that will allow them to succeed in their deliveries. Perrault furthers this mission by fearlessly venturing ahead of the group to scout the landscape, using his knowledge of ice and snow to keep them safe as they travel. Meanwhile, Francois supports the team from behind as the actual driver of the sled. He is primarily the one who keeps the dogs in check whenever they misbehave, so he inevitably plays a pivotal role in Buck’s growth as a sled dog.
Buck’s relationship with Francois and Perrault allows him to develop both his confidence and leadership qualities, so much so that he earns the team notoriety for their speed. Due to their fair hands, Buck has considerable respect for his masters and devotes himself to working hard on their behalf. Likewise, Francois and Perrault acknowledge from the beginning that Buck is a special dog, and they do everything in their power to ensure that he stays safe and healthy. Perrault “honor[s]” him by diligently inspecting his paws for injuries, and both men bravely fend off a pack of rogue dogs that invade their camp. The emotion that fills their final moments together highlights the strength of their bond, one forged through mutual dependence and appreciation. Francois weeps over Buck when it is time for him and Perrault to depart, and this reaction suggests that he impacted their lives just as much as they did his.
