How does the author's use of figurative language with referring to the man as a 'fire provider' help illustrate the dog's point-of-view?

The dog is only aware of that which affects him. He wants what will make him comfortable; he wants the fire and he only wants to be with the man if the man can do something for him. This is obvious when the man freezes to death and the dog simply goes on. The man can no longer help him, so the dog goes on.