
Dog is first and foremost about loyalty. Dog will never leave you nor forsake you. Dog eagerly awaits your return. Dog will suffer from you and with you – and love you unconditionally. Dog is “dogged,” “like a dog with a bone,” and sticks to the task at hand. Dog has great focus and concentration, alertness and sensitivity.
Dog’s strongest sense is his nose. Dog can track across great distances, following his nose. Dog also uses his alertness to protect the tribe, the pack.
Dog is a pack animal, a social creature, and wants to be involved in everything the pack is doing. Dog does not like to be left alone or abandoned.
Dog is a guardian, a soldier/warrior, a hunter, and also the comfort of a loyal best friend.
In many cultures, Dog is the guardian of the gates of the afterlife (Anubis in Egypt, The “Dog Shogun” in Japan, and the Greek Cerebrus of Hades). Dogs have been companions of humans for at least 12,000 years, with ancient Mesopotamian art showing them collared and leashed in the service of humans.
In any regard, Dog reminds you of your own loyalties, too. Dog encourages you to put energy into your loyalties, and to drop those loyalties which are undeserving of your investment. Dog also reminds you of your service to others.
Remember the eagerness of your own dogs. How much they wanted to please you, to help you! Having a Dog Helper is similar – He wants to serve you, and leads by example. How can you best serve your pack?