Wallace’s description of the feral dog as a “Helldog” alludes Hercules’ 12th and last labor, in which Hercules has to capture Cerberus, a hellhound who guards the gates of hell. The description of Edward grabbing the dog’s heart from its body with his bare hands is an embellishment intended to make the story more memorable. Edward displays his courage once again, and his protective nature, particularly towards those (like Jennifer Morgan) who are vulnerable.