I do have an appreciation for survival issues and understand that survival involves different strategies depending on location.

While I dislike seeing survival resort to being dependent on a pet, I do accept that there come a point when the decision must be made. There is infamous action, AKA the Doner Party, that underscores the deliema.

The core issue remains -- the individual began a trek where he was not prepared. If his supplies were wiped out by a bear, he was not equipped with bear-proof storage.

If he had to resort to survival by eating his dog, he was not prepared to be engaging in the trek.

In short, the individual was not prepared to survive in case of emergency.