Genesis 2:18-25; Ps 128(127):1-2. 3. 4-5; Mark 7:24-30
In ancient Jewish culture, dogs were generally viewed as unclean animals. Unlike in some modern societies where dogs are beloved pets, in biblical times, they were often seen as scavengers and associated with impurity. This cultural perception influenced the metaphorical use of "kuón" in the New Testament, where it was employed to describe those who were considered spiritually or morally defiled.
So Jesu's response to the woman's pleas to have her demon stricken daughter healed, was at the least very rude - but also not completely surprising from a Jew to an outsider. But that woman cleverly turns the remark about, and Jesus responds most positively. Is that not even more surprising?
This passage indeed forms a pivot in Mark's gospel. Up to now, exclusively sent to bring salvation to the people of God, Jesus has retreated from them to an area full of outsiders: was he getting fed up with the internal wrangling of his people around resurrection, the nature of Messiah, etc?
And from this point on in his ministry, Jesus' ministry opens up to the whole world, to all peoples. Including us.