One of the benefits of asexual reproduction is that only individual parents are demanded. When the living thing is prepared to generate offspring, it could do so accordingly without procrastinating for a sufficient comrade.
Answer:
As soon as Shiro saw his master he ran to meet him, wagging his tail, and, seizing the end of his kimono, dragged him under a large yenoki tree. Here he began to dig very industriously with his paws, yelping with joy all the time. The old man, unable to understand what it all meant, stood looking on in bewilderment. But Shiro went on barking and digging with all his might.
Explanation:
I'm not too sure but the other parts in the story didn't seem like companionship to me, but in here the dog is helping the old man.
