Dogs have been companions of humans for tens of thousands of years. And I am sure that the big, round eyes of cute, little puppies have caused untold numbers of humans to express the sound of "Ahhhh" throughout our species' time in the universe. Hey, I'm a sucker for a puppy, no apologies. The scene in Book XVII, Lines 289-329 is perhaps one of the most moving in the entire epic. Odysseus' old dog, Argos, is the only living creature to recognize Odysseus, in disguise, when he returns to his home. The dog, in miserable shape, sitting in mud and dung, "wagged / his tail and dropped his ears" at the sight of his master. For those unfamiliar with animal psychology, Argos the dog not only recognizes but also respects his master. Sadly, Argos dies immediately after. If you read this episode closely you must be touched by it. And what does it say about animals versus humans? This is a scene to remember.
Mr. Matluck
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