Argos: The Dog Odysseus Betrayed

For twenty years, Argos waited.

His beloved master, Odysseus/aka Ulysses had gone off to war. Ten

years were spent fighting at Troy, and another ten trying to find his way

home.

Argos never stopped waiting.

Once the finest hunting dog in all of Greece, he was forgotten after

Odysseus left. The home he had proudly guarded was taken over by

strangers. No one cared for him anymore. Old, weak, covered with fleas,

and forced to live on a pile of dung, he survived on scraps. Yet he never

gave up hope.

Then one day, Odysseus finally came home.

To protect himself from the enemies living in his house, he returned

disguised as a beggar. No one recognized him.

Except Argos.

With the little strength he had left, the old dog lifted his head. His tail

began to wag. He struggled to rise, desperate for one last greeting from

the person he had loved for twenty long years.

Odysseus saw him.

A tear filled his eye.

He knew it was Argos. He wanted to embrace his faithful friend, but

revealing himself could have cost him his life. So he walked past

without a word.

Argos understood.

His master was home.

That was enough.

He lay back down, closed his eyes, and quietly died.

Perhaps no dog has ever loved more faithfully than Argos. He didn't care

that Odysseus was a great hero. He didn't care about battles won or glory

earned.

He simply loved his person.

And he waited...until the very end.

Rev. Kaleel Sakakeeny is Director of Animal Talks Inc., a Boston- and

South Africa-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people heal after the

loss of a beloved animal companion.