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For millennia, dogs have been by humanity's side, offering loyalty and tireless labor. While not everyone has acknowledged their value, some cultures have shown appreciation in unique and touching ways.
10. Territorio de Zaguates
Costa Rica's Territorio de Zaguates, the haven for stray dogs, is a paradise for dog lovers. Located in Alajuela, this sanctuary welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes to enjoy their days in a tropical utopia.
This former ranch-turned-dog sanctuary is one of the world’s most extravagant no-kill shelters. Each dog enjoys the freedom of roaming in a safe, sunny, and peaceful environment, away from traffic, animal catchers, and other urban hazards. The open space has also given rise to some of the most unexpected breeds, such as the portly-tailed German dobernauzer.
The journey began with Scott, a stray dog saved by the sanctuary's founders. Ten years on, nearly 1,000 dogs now live like royalty, thanks to the dedication of a remarkable group of volunteers.
However, maintaining this sanctuary isn't cheap. The dogs consume $10,000 worth of kibble every month, along with $10,000 in medical bills, grooming essentials, and squeaky toys.
9. Irish Wolfhound Myths
The ancient Irish held their legendary wolfhounds in such high regard that wars were fought over them. Historical laws once restricted ownership of wolfhounds to kings and nobles, while lesser aristocrats were allowed only two. A person's collection of these majestic dogs revealed their social standing.
The wolfhound also plays a significant role in Irish folklore. According to one tale, in the 13th century, Prince Llywelyn, a proud owner of a wolfhound, went hunting but couldn’t find his beloved dog, Gelert. When Llywelyn returned to his castle, he was greeted by Gelert with a bloodied muzzle. In a panic, the prince rushed inside to discover his son’s crib had been overturned and was stained with blood.
Furious, Llywelyn struck down Gelert, only to later find his son unharmed beside the slain wolf. Regret filled the prince as he realized his mistake, and in sorrow, he buried Gelert near the castle, where everyone could honor the hound’s heroic deeds.
8. Native Burials Illuminate the History of Dogs in America
Numerous burial sites across North and South America suggest that indigenous Americans valued the companionship of dogs. These animals served as loyal “beasts of burden” and pest controllers, benefiting from human care and occasional scraps of food.
At the Janey B. Goode site in southern Illinois, archaeologists discovered many dogs buried with great care, some in pairs, positioned back to back. The meticulousness of these burials hints at an ancient bond between humans and their canine companions—at least in some cases. Similarly, at Cahokia, North America’s first urban settlement, researchers found burned bones discarded in what would have been a kitchen refuse pile.
After studying the remains of 84 dogs, researchers concluded that dogs made their way to the “New World” only 10,000 years ago, long after humans had crossed the land bridge from Siberia. The dog burials revealed a surprising range of breeds, though the lack of diversity in some groups suggests that selective breeding may have been practiced.
7. Komainu
The formidable stone statues of dogs guarding the entrances to shrines are known as komainu. While it’s unclear whether these mythical creatures came to Japan from Korea or China, the stone dogs we recognize today seem to have originated from Indian lion statues.
Lions are revered as the preachers and protectors of the dharma (the Buddhist code), with the Buddha’s teachings being referred to as the “lion’s roar.” These majestic creatures are showcased at Sarnath in India, where four lions stand atop an Ashokan pillar, continuing to spread the dharma at the site of the Buddha’s first sermon.
Through the influence of Indian Buddhism, this iconography spread to China around the third century, and later to Korea, where these creatures were adorned with quirky features like wings and horns. In Japan, a wooden, indoor version appeared during the Heian period (794–1185) and gradually transformed into larger, more formidable outdoor figures by the Edo period (1603–1867).
6. Tihar
Every autumn, Hindus observe Diwali, the festival of lights. A blend of Mardi Gras and Christmas, this five-day celebration involves storytelling at vibrant parties, followed by gift exchanges and acts of kindness. Tihar, the Nepalese variant, honors dogs on the second day.
Kukur Tihar is like a grand birthday celebration for all dogs—past, present, and future. The aim is to shower every dog with love, with stray dogs being treated with the same affection as pets and pampered like royalty for the day. Revelers even leave out savory, fatty dishes for street dogs, ensuring that no canine goes hungry.
Each dog receives a floral garland (malla) and a red mark on the forehead (tika). These marks signify the dog as a revered spirit worthy of respect. The festival has gained international recognition, with dog lovers from around the world showcasing their adorned pets on Instagram.
5. Ancient Pet Fox
In an ancient cemetery located in Jordan's Wadi Ziqlab river valley, archaeologists uncovered the remains of 11 humans, their personal artifacts, and a fox. The site at 'Uyun al-Hammam, which dates back 16,500 years, was likely inhabited by a pre-Natufian community, the ancestors of the first farmers in history.
Around 14,500 years ago, the Natufians of the Levant cultivated wild wheat and oats, gaining a reputation for their love of dogs. It appears that these families often buried their dogs with them, with one woman's body positioned as if she were petting her dog.
The carefully buried fox could indicate that by this time, canines were no longer seen merely as tools or helpers but as companions. The fox and its owner were even moved and reburied together, possibly to preserve the special bond between them. This suggests that humans may have initially befriended foxes before replacing them with dogs as their companions.
4. Wepwawet
While the ancient Egyptians are often remembered for their affection for cats, canines also held significant roles in their pantheon of gods. Anubis is the most famous, but before him, the jackal-headed Wepwawet was the guardian of the dead.
Wepwawet, the son of Isis, watched over the souls as they journeyed through the underworld. Some believe he initiated the ritual of opening the mouth of the deceased, a ceremony meant to restore the abilities enjoyed during life. Wepwawet also took on the role of a scout for the Egyptian armies as they marched forward.
In his leisure time, Wepwawet traveled with the king, earning the grand title of “the one with the sharp arrow who is mightier than the gods.” Additionally, Wepwawet was revered as the protector of the Abydos cemetery and ruled over its necropolis.
Eventually, Wepwawet was overtaken by Osiris, and the responsibilities of overseeing funerary rites were passed on to the now more well-known Anubis.
3. The World’s Oldest Pet Cemetery Honors Dogs
Founded in 1899 in Asnieres-sur-Seine, just outside of Paris, Le Cimetiere des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques (translated as 'Cemetery of Dogs and Other Domestic Animals') is the world’s oldest pet cemetery, with a special focus on honoring dogs.
At the cemetery, over 40,000 stone graves are uniquely designed to resemble doghouses, some adorned with statues honoring those laid to rest. One of its most notable monuments commemorates Barry, the legendary Saint Bernard rescue dog. According to legend, Barry saved 40 lives in the perilous Saint Bernard Pass in Switzerland before meeting an untimely death at the hands of a Napoleonic soldier who mistook him for a wolf.
In truth, Barry passed away peacefully in his bed following a celebrated career. The real-life Rin Tin Tin also rests here, and the cemetery even has a sanctuary for living animals, with a stray cat haven and a feeding area tucked behind.
2. The Shoshone Wolf Creator God
For centuries, Native Americans held deep respect for nature, particularly for wolves. They understood the crucial role wolves played in maintaining ecological balance and revered these magnificent creatures as totems, acknowledging their importance in the natural world.
The Shoshone, also known as the Snake Nation, who lived along both sides of the Rocky Mountains, revered the wolf as their creator god. Meanwhile, the coyote was seen as a cunning trickster. The wolf, however, was believed to possess profound wisdom and the extraordinary ability to bring the dead back to life.
One day, the crafty Coyote, feeling that people adored Wolf for his power to revive the deceased, claimed that the Earth was not large enough for such widespread resurrection. Yet, Coyote changed his mind when a rattlesnake bit and poisoned his son.
In desperation, Coyote pleaded with Wolf to restore his son’s life. But the unyielding Wolf reminded Coyote of his earlier objection to such acts. From that moment forward, Wolf never again intervened in resurrection, and with that, sorrow entered the world.
1. Inu Jinja
Located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, the Inu Jinja shrine is home to the spirit of the King of Dogs. According to legend, a sorcerer once created a magical wand to protect the area from deadly floods. However, when the villagers opened the wand, they found a mysterious scroll featuring four dogs.
This act drained the wand’s powers. To restore the wand’s protective abilities, the villagers buried it and built a shrine, adorned with depictions of the King of Dogs, in atonement.
Dogs are also considered the unofficial guardians of smooth and painless births. On the “dog day” during the fifth month of pregnancy, expectant mothers visit the shrine to receive a blessing from the canine deity.
