What is Zeitoun's relationship with the dogs in the neighborhood?

The plight of the neighborhood’s abandoned dogs comes to Zeitoun’s attention as “a bewilderment, an anger in their cries that cut the night into shards” (93). The next day, he sets out in the canoe and tries to do what he can for animals and people trapped by the flood.

can you explain the answer? i still dont get it

He is their rescuer and keeper. After recuing the abandoned dogs, he finds them shelter and takes on the daily responsibility of feeding them.