I’ve always liked myths and I used to play a game in which everyone would get a few minutes to make up a myth about something. For some reason, I was thinking about that today and that inspired me to write up the following myth:

How Dog Became Man’s Best Friend ©2006

Copyright 2006 by Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere

Shortly after Man and Woman appeared on the earth, it was decided that although they had each other, they each needed their own best friend. It was decided that Man would go first. All the animals of the world were called forth and went before Man. Naturally, telling the story of each animal would take far too long, but here are a few samples.

The bountiful Cow approached Man and said, "My flesh will be your meat and my milk your drink."

Man was pleased by this an accepted Cow as a friend. But Man still believed he needed an even better friend. After all, one should not eat his best friend.

The singing Bird flew up to Man and sang, "As with Cow, my flesh shall be your meat. But, I shall also make music for you to lighten your days."

Man was pleased by this and Bird became a friend of Man. But, as with Cow, Man thought that Bird would not be his best friend.

The graceful Cat slinked towards Man and purred, "You shall not eat my flesh, but I will slay the pests that vex and trouble you. I will be mysterious and beautiful. But, I shall also be aloof and bite the hand that feeds me."

Thus did Cat become a good friend of Man, but not quite his best friend.

The noble Horse trotted up to Man and whinnied, "I shall carry you on my back and we shall travel far and fast together. In times of war I will carry you bravely into battle. In times of peace I will pull your carts and wagons."

Man was very pleased by Horse and almost chose him as his best friend.

While the other animals approached Man and offered him many fine services, Dog listened carefully. His heart grew heavy for he knew that he did not want Man to eat his flesh and he could not carry man on his back. What could he offer that the others could not? As he considered wandering back into the wilderness to join his brother Wolf, the answer arose from his heart.

Dog bounded up to man and barked, "I will live for you. I will die for you. I will love you forever."

Hearing these words and seeing the love in Dog’s eyes, Man knew that he had at last found his best friend.

Man then turned to Woman.

"My dear, I have found my best friend. Now we must find one for you."

"Oh" said Woman as she gazed fondly at the bright diamond in her palm, "No need...I've already found mine."