What is the overall meaning of Chapter III, from "The Setting Out"

Before there were horses the Kiowas had need of dogs. That
was a long time ago, when dogs could talk. There was a man
who lived alone; he had been thrown away, and he made his
camp here and there on the high ground. Now it was
dangerous to be alone, for there were enemies all around. The
man spent his arrows hunting food. He had one arrow left, and
he shot a bear; but the bear was only wounded and it ran
away. The man wondered what to do. Then a dog came up to
him and said that many enemies were coming; they were close
by and all around. The man could think of no way to save
himself. But the dog said: "You know, I have puppies. They are
young and weak and they have nothing to eat. If you will take
care of my puppies. I will show you how to get away. The dog
led the man here and there, around and around, and they came
to safety.