Back on the farm, in the 30's I think, before my time anyway; work horses were the real horse power still for many farmers. Money and animal fodder was hard to come by, so come winter, horses would be turned loose to fend for themselves. Early spring, my Dad and other farmers would set out to find their horses. Winter storms or blizzards could cause them to wander off great distances, down wind or down storm if you will. Other farmers would make note of any strange horses in their area and eventually, they would be tracked down.
One spring, my Dad with his team and light buggy, perhaps as much as 50 to a 100 miles from home were on an Indian Reserve at nightfall. In those days,rural travelers were not turned away,ever, but were invited in for a meal, and a place to sleep may well have been up in the hayloft. A different time, a different world !
Supper was over and my Dad was curious about the stew. The older Indian man simply said "woof woof " !
In the Arctic, I've sat down to rabbit and muskrat too I recall, and darn glad to get tucked in too ! Never question the cook to closely or look in the bottom of the pot; Dad taught me well !