In the end of Chapters 7-8, David doesn't gain his freedom on his own; King sacrifices his life for David. How has King's act changed David's idea of freedom?

The relationship between King and the freedom prized, striven for and respected by David also manifests in the narrative's comments on how David views and treats the dog (see "Quotes," p. 180). Finally, it's also important to note how important a role is played by David's realization that he does, in fact, have things for which to live. This is quite a transformation from his low point in the early stages of Chapter 6. Yes, the discovery of at least the possibility of a mother is a fundamental element of his desire, but the unconditional love and support offered by King, not to mention his eventual self-sacrifice, is almost equally important.