Why did the drivers consider it a " mercy" to let Dave die while pulling the sled?

Hello. You forgot to mention that this question is about the book "The Call of the Wild". It is necessary that you always provide all the necessary information for your question to be answered efficiently.

Answer:

Because he loves to work pulling the sled and is sick.

Explanation:

Dave is a hard-working dog who is happy to do his job of pulling the sled. he feels fulfilled in being able to accomplish his task.

Dave got very sick and still didn't want to leave his obligations behind. The drivers felt sorry for Dave, but they believed that taking him away from his job would make him sad, make his illness worse and make him die unhappy, for that reason, they think it is an act of mercy, let Dave die doing what he loves, pulling the sled.

In the book "The Call of the Wild," Dave is a dog that works with Buck. François and Perrault take him to Alaska as well, and he becomes a great asset to the team, as he is strong, hard-working and proud.

Dave becomes sick eventually, and the men are unable to find out what is happening to him. However, Dave shows that he does not want to leave his work. François and Perrault believe that some dogs die of a broken heart if they are not allowed to perform the work they are used to doing. As Dave is likely to die anyway, they decide that it is a mercy to allow him to die while pulling the sled. They believe that this will allow him to die more content.