“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.”
-Martin Luther
-Martin Luther
Domestic dogs have been present in nearly all cultures for thousands of years, as evident in artifacts found today. They were assistants, companions, and even gods.
Limestone Dog, Cypriot, 4th-3rd century B.C., Metropolitan Museum of Art
The hound was found, according to Cesnola, in the same tomb at Golgoi as the decorated sarcophagus. [http://www.metmuseum.org/]
The hound was found, according to Cesnola, in the same tomb at Golgoi as the decorated sarcophagus. [http://www.metmuseum.org/]
Mechanical Dog, elephant ivory, Egypt, 1390-1353 B.C., Metropolitan Museum of Art
"This leaping hunting dog can be made to open and close its mouth using the lever beneath the chest. Originally secured by means of a thong tied through the hole in the back of its neck and two in the throat, the lever was later attached with a metal dowel in the right shoulder. When the mouth is opened, two teeth and a red tongue are visible." [http://www.metmuseum.org]
"This leaping hunting dog can be made to open and close its mouth using the lever beneath the chest. Originally secured by means of a thong tied through the hole in the back of its neck and two in the throat, the lever was later attached with a metal dowel in the right shoulder. When the mouth is opened, two teeth and a red tongue are visible." [http://www.metmuseum.org]
Bronze Roman statue of dog, 2nd-3rd century A.D., Metropolitan Museum of Art
"The Romans were ardent pet lovers. Dogs especially were great favorites and are frequently depicted in Roman art as either guard or hunting dogs." [http://www.metmuseum.org/]
"The Romans were ardent pet lovers. Dogs especially were great favorites and are frequently depicted in Roman art as either guard or hunting dogs." [http://www.metmuseum.org/]
Mesopotamian Terracotta Dog with Kassite Cross, 1800-1600 B.C., California Museum of Ancient Art
"Possibly from Isin, a major Babylonian city and site of the main temple for the healing goddess Gula, the dog was likely a cult statue used in healing practices. The Kassite cross [on its forehead] pre-dates Christianity by more than 1,000 years." [http://www.cmaa-museum.org]
"Possibly from Isin, a major Babylonian city and site of the main temple for the healing goddess Gula, the dog was likely a cult statue used in healing practices. The Kassite cross [on its forehead] pre-dates Christianity by more than 1,000 years." [http://www.cmaa-museum.org]