Answer:
There was the economic urgency and need to get ahold of gold that was rumored to be in plenty in the Yukon area. This event in history came to be known as the "Klondike Gold Rush".
Explanation:
Jack London's adventure novel "The Call of the Wild" revolves around the character of Buck, a domesticated dog who ended up being brought and sold to prospective gold miners in their need for sled dogs. Though a domestic dog, Buck grew and developed into a faithful, and much stronger dog, faithful to John Thornton who rescues him from his abusive master.
The need and importance of sled dogs was a result of the rumor that there is plenty of gold to be found in the icy, cold, freezing Yukon area. Many prospective 'gold-miners' came to the region, descending like a flock of vultures ready to get their hands on any bit of gold they can find and get rich. The urgency with which the gold will elevate a person's status led to this massive flocking. The economic situation seems to be a time of poverty, and the need to gain more wealth. Historically, the event became to be known as the "Klondike Gold Rush".
