One of the earliest and most heartbreaking depictions of the relationship between man and dog is in the Odyssey:
- Argos is the only one who recognizes Odysseus immediately, even in disguise.
- He is too weak to stand, but he wags his tail and drops his ears when he sees him.
- Odysseus can't reveal himself or openly acknowledge him
- Instead, he asks the swineherd about the dog, indirectly praising him.
- He sheds a tear, and turns his face so no one notices.
- After seeing his master one last time, Argos dies.
Nearly three millennia, and this simple human moment is something everyone can relate to.