The deep, wet gaze of the dog reveals love and devotion, but always hides an elusive melancholy, even when he is playing. I suppose this gaze, burdened by the weight of the past, motivated Joseph Botetzagias to write this exceptional and original study.

The author picks up the thread from the beginning and draws data from mythology, history, archaeology, art, ancient Greek literature, and written monuments in general. He studies sacred books and parables, stories of saints, and other narratives to present the history of the dog and its relationship with humans in hunting and wars, the way it is perceived by religions, and the affection and aversion that developed between them over time.

The story of the four-legged creature that decided to become man's best friend, even without always having a reciprocal relationship, reveals a past that is eternally present and urges us to reassess our attitudes and views towards non-human animals.

The tear of the epic hero for his loyal dog is a fitting epic tribute. For thousands of years, we have walked the earth together in life and death with our four-legged companions, who never “weighed” us based on color, beauty, wealth, race, religion, or political beliefs. To them, we were always simply their “humans.” This book is a brief history of our shared journey.

Joseph Botetzagias