Read the excerpt from The Call of the Wild. [Thornton] had a way of taking Buck’s head roughly between his hands, and resting his own head upon Buck’s, of shaking him back and forth, the while calling him ill names that to Buck were love names. What does the description in this excerpt help readers understand about Thornton? He is similar to other sled-dog owners. He is short-tempered with his dogs. He has a witty and fun personality. He has a playful and affectionate nature.