9781422273005

Other ancient cultures had similar relationships with their dogs. The Egyptians treasured them so much that some of them had their dogs mummified in the same way that people were. The ancient Greeks viewed dogs as wise and loyal creatures. One of the most famous dogs in literature comes from the ancient Greek epic The Odyssey . In this story, King Odysseus has a dog named Argos that waits for him to return from a journey that lasts 20 years. When Odysseus finally arrives home, he finds that there are several man trying to marry his wife, Penelope. Because Odysseus has returned in a disguise given to him by the goddess Athena, no one recognizes him except for Argos. Since Odysseus doesn’t want to ruin his disguise, he can’t acknowledge his dog’s greeting. Ignored by his master, Argos lies down and dies. This story illustrates how the Greeks believed dogs to be loyal to their masters, which is a belief we still hold today. The ancient Romans also valued their dogs. Just as in Greece, archaeologists have found artwork showing canines with their masters and mistresses. Some depict children with their pets and show scenes that would be easily recognizable by modern people. For instance, one Gallic piece portrays a young boy giving his dog his plate to lick. The ancient Chinese, Indian, Norse, Celtic, and Mesoamerican cultures also placed a high value on their dogs. Stories from these cultures often feature dogs, and just as with other societies, we have found archaeological evidence that shows ancient peoples viewing their dogs as helpers and companions. No matter how and when the initial relationship between dogs and humans began, we do know that dogs rapidly became an important part of the everyday lives of people. They were used to guard homes, to hunt, to herd livestock, and as companions. And, as you will see shortly, they were even used as what modern people would call service dogs!

What Is a Service Dog?

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