The animal proved to be an ideal companion, saving her life and her sanity. It was a grueling journey: woman and dog fought off polar bears, barely escaped drowning, survived storms. Near the end, a gale blew away most of Thayer's food supplies; her daily ration during the final week was a handful of walnuts and a pint of water. After 364 miles, 27 days, Thayer and Charlie were picked up by plane on Melena Island--mission accomplished. This is an exciting story of human endurance and of a remarkable animal. Hardcover, DJ, New.