THERE'S A NEW DOG IN TOWN

from Homer's Odyssey

The 3000 year old story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he embarks on a long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War.

After 20 years, Odysseus finally returns to his homeland, but in disguise. No one can recognize him, not his closest friends or even is family. However, his dog Argos could never forget his master, even after all that time. Despite his old age, his ears perk up and his tail begins to wag. Summoning the last of his strength, he offers the greeting he has waited decades to give his master.

This brief but poignant moment remains one of the most moving scenes in all of literature. Forsaken by all but still clinging to hope, Argos sees his beloved master one last time in a quiet moment of recognition. It is a testament to the undying love of dogs: they never forget us and never cease loving.

Argos’s loyalty is timeless, reminding us that even thousands of years ago, the bond between humans and dogs was just as as sacred as it is today.

Argos stands as one of the most enduring symbols of loyalty, but he does not stand alone . . .

Pantheon

For centuries, dogs have stood by our side as companions, protectors, and heroes. Their unwavering loyalty, boundless love, and incredible feats have shaped history, folklore around the world, and our everyday lives.

Beyond Argos, this page honors the greatest canine legends throughout history. Because dogs are more than just pets; they are symbols of courage, companionship, and unconditional love. The bond man kind has with dogs has been recorded throughout time and around the world. These statues stand as a testament of our admiration and appreciation for them.

  • Hachiko

    (1923–1935)
    The Symbol of Loyalty
    Breed:     Akita
    Location: Tokyo

    Hachiko faithfully waited at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station every day for nearly 10 years after his owner, Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, passed away.

    His unwavering loyalty made him a national symbol in Japan, and a statue now stands at the station in his honor.

  • Laika

    (1954–1957)
    The Pioneer Cosmonaut
    Breed:     Mixed-breed stray
    Location: Moscow

    Laika was the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. Though she didn’t survive the mission, she paved the way for human spaceflight, making her one of the most famous dogs in history.

    Laika is memorialised in the form of a statue and plaque at Star City, the Russian Cosmonaut training facility.

  • Togo & Balto

    (1919–1933)
    The Sled Dog Heroes
    Breed:     Siberian Huskies
    Location: Manhattan

    These dogs led the 1925 serum run to Nome, delivering lifesaving medicine to a diphtheria-stricken town. Togo lead on Leonhard Seppala's team, covering the longest and most dangerous part of the journey. Balto Lead on Gunnar Kaasen's team, covering the final 55-mile leg into Nome

    They became a national hero, and a statue in New York’s Central Park commemorates their bravery.

  • Barry

    (1800–1814)
    The Alpine Rescuer
    Breed:     St. Bernard
    Location: Bern

    Barry saved over 40 lives as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. The most famous story tells of Barry carrying a lost child on his back to safety. Today, a preserved version of Barry is displayed at the Natural History Museum of Bern.

  • Bobbie

    (1921–1927)
    The Ultimate Survivor
    Breed:     Scotch Collie mix
    Location: Silverton

    Bobbie was lost during a family trip in Indiana but walked over 2,500 miles across the U.S. to reunite with his family in Oregon six months later. His incredible journey made headlines nationwide.

  • Greyfriars Bobby

    (1919–1933)
    The Terrier of Edinburgh
    Breed:     Skye Terrier
    Location: Edinburgh

    After his owner, John Gray, passed away, Bobby famously spent 14 years guarding Gray's grave until his own death. His unwavering loyalty is commemorated by a statue in Edinburgh, symbolizing enduring devotion. ​

  • Fido

    (1941–1958)
    Italy's Faithful Companion
    Breed:     Mixed
    Location: Florence

    Fido waited at a bus stop every day for 14 years after his owner, Carlo Soriani, died during World War II. His story became a national symbol of loyalty, and a statue was erected in his honor in Borgo San Lorenzo.

  • Waghya

    ( ~ 1680)
    The Warrior Kings Tiger
    Breed:     Mixed
    Location: Maharashtra

    When Shivaji Maharaj passed away in 1680, Waghya was so grief-stricken that he leapt into his master's funeral pyre. To honor his sacrifice, a stone memoria was placed near Shivaji’s tomb at Raigad Fort, Maharashtra. The statue became a symbol of ultimate loyalty and devotion in Indian culture.

  • Tucker

    ( 1968 )
    Sheepdog of Canterbury
    Breed:     Scottish shepherd
    Location: Lake Tekapo

    Scottish shepherds arrived in New Zealand in the 19th century. The successful farming of the high country would not have been possible without Border Collies. In recognition of these loyal and hardworking dogs, a statue of a Collie now stands at Lake Tekapo, honoring their invaluable contribution.