"Don't be afraid." said a voice next to him. "I can help you. I can save your life, if you are willing to let me."
"Anything!" replied atuk.
Atuk's body began to shrink, starting with his feet. His boots fell off, followed by his pants. They were replaced by thick fur and a tail. He removed his coat and mittens to find a pair of webbed hands and a furry torso, respectively. Finally, his neck and head changed, and Atuk had become an otter.
"I'm a kushtaka." said the one next to him, himself an otter. "we rescue people who are in trouble and dying from the cold by turning them into otters." .
"But it was you who capsized my boat in the first place!" Atuk squeaked. "Why would you do that if you're concerned for my well being?" .
"It's been a slow week." said the kushtaka. "With nobody to rescue, I was starting to get bored."