“Loyal as a dog” is a favorite idiom worldwide, and why not? There is always a media story about a loyal dog finding its long-lost owners. Devotion knows no geographical limits it seems.

Once when we were home, our puppy somehow slipped out of the house and into the neighbor’s yard. In a panic, we looked everywhere until we heard a howl at the front door, where he patiently waited to get back in. “Where have you been?” he seemed to say, and he has remained our shadow ever since.

Loyal & Devoted Dogs

From earliest times, dogs have been a symbol of loyalty and fidelity across the globe. My husband grew up with a big dog named Fido and we laughed together about that silly name until we started writing this book. Why? Because Fido originates from the Latin Fidus, meaning “trust” or “faithful,” and dogs, like the Marines, are “always faithful” or semper fi.

In Roman art, dogs appeared as the main symbol of loyalty, trust, and faithfulness, often depicted on tombs at the feet of their masters. Women are traditionally depicted in sculpture and paintings from ancient days through the modern romantic period alongside dogs, indicating faithfulness and fidelity. Even the allegorical image of the classical Grace “Fidelity” depicts her with a dog. History, myth, and art tell stories of dog’s undying loyalty.

Mythically, Zeus’s dog loyally protected him from dangers as a helpless baby. Argo, the dog of Odysseus, was the only one to recognize Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca twenty years later, becoming a favorite classical Greek symbol for undying devotion. In ancient Rome, the historian Pliny wrote of a dog refusing to leave the side of his deathly ill master, Titus Labienus.

In the Zoroastrian holy book The Avesta, dogs appear as symbols of “vigilance and loyalty” and are never to be mistreated and always to be shown love and affection. Even a dog’s gaze possesses spiritual power and Ihtiram-i sag, a phrase commonly used in this religion meaning “respect for the loyal dog.”

Traveling in the United Kingdom, you can’t help but noticing the British are dog crazy, with none extolling the loyalty of dogs more that the corgi-loving Queen herself. This persists in Celtic countries from the earliest times, where fidelity became linked with the word for dog, CU, a synonym for loyalty. The great hero Cú Chulainn (Hound of Culann) was bestowed this name in honor of his faithfulness. Later on, King Arthur, in tales sometimes referred to as “great dog,” owned a semi-divine dog hero named Cavall (Cavell, Cafell, Cabal, or Caball). This mighty being hunted with King Arthur, and they had great adventures and mythic hunts. He saved the king from many perils and so was honored as a symbol of loyalty. Many special places in Wales and elsewhere in the United Kingdom are named after him, honoring this dog hero to this day.

In China, we find another super loyal mythic dog accompanying the legendary hero Erlang, a character in Journey to the West, the epic of the Monkey King. In this mythic novel, Erlang’s feisty hound comes to the rescue and defeats the monster. This popular tale epitomizes the loyalty of dogs in China and Tibet. When we traveled in China in the early 1990s, we often noticed that gods and emperors (even Chairman Mao) were depicted in paintings and sculpture with their hounds, thus, we were told, lending themselves qualities of loyalty and trustworthiness, whether true or not.

In the popular Chinese Zodiac, “dog people” are intensely devoted and loyal. In Tibetan Buddhism, one myth claims the lion-dog protected the Buddha and his teachings, becoming a symbol of diligence, devotion, and loyalty.

In India, the dog’s loyalty and devotion is honored during the five-day Tihar Festival, where all dogs are fed, decked in flowers, and revered as objects of devotion. The Hindu god-saint Dattatreya is always shown surrounded by dogs, said to represent his devotees, being symbols of loyalty and religious devotion to the Guru.

As Christianity spread, the dog became a favorite symbol of devotion to God and the loyalty of true converts. Several Christian saints were accompanied by loyal dogs. Saint Roch, who lived in the early fourteenth century in France, is a patron saint of dogs because of the following story. Saint Roch became very ill while performing good works among the sick, and he went to the forest to die. In the forest, a loyal dog befriended the sick man and brought him food. Under the dog’s care Saint Roch recovered and forever gave honor to the divine dog intervention. In some places, his feast day is celebrated as the “feast of all dogs,” where their devotion and loyalty is honored. We trust that every dog there gets lots of good dog treats that day.

From time immemorial, dogs are described as “man’s best friend.” What could possibly be a better symbol of devotion, loyalty, and fidelity? Just ask our dog, who never leaves our side and often sits at our feet as we write books like this.

Spells, Meditations & Charms

Obey Me Behavior Spell

Good Dog. How you long to say those words. But instead, you may find the limits of your patience tried. It is for both you and your dog’s well-being that your dog behaves. Do not feel your dog is defiant or antiauthority, some dogs are just a little more stubborn than others and need more help learning the rules.

If nothing seems to work getting your dog to obey you, first make sure you both have a clear understanding of what is expected from each other. Having an obedient dog that does not do destructive doggie things makes a more peaceful life for both of you. Good dog manners make your dog a good citizen. Whatever your dog does that you find undesirable, the unwanted behavior is changeable with a little dog training and this spell.

You will need:

• A red candle

• Pens; one red, one black

• A black candle

• Matches

• Your dog’s collar and leash

• Dog toys

• Treats

Take the red candle and, using the red pen, write on the candle what you want your dog to do. Now pick up the black candle and write with the black pen what you want your dog not to do. Light the black candle and say:

You need to behave.

You need to mind.

Do what you are told

All of the time.

Now draw a downward pointing triangle s over what you wrote on the black candle. Say:

This is what we need to do:

We both need to work together

And respect one another too.

By Geki and Freki; make it true.

Galderbyorg.*

Let the black candle burn.

Place the dog collar, leash, dog toys, and treats near the red and black candles. Light the red candle, take the red pen, and draw a triangle pointing up , and say:

You will listen.

You will behave.

Because I guide you,

Now be this way.

So may it be

By Feya and Frey.

Galderbyorg.

Say:

With this oath

This spell is done.

This spell is cast

Our wills are one.

Give your dog the treats. Place both candles together and let them burn down. Be ready for a new, more compliant dog.

* Translation (Norse): Galderbyorg = You are protected/empowered by this spell.

No Begging Spell

Oh, how tempting people food is for your dog! Your dog begging for your scraps is completely natural. Dogs and people entered a pact together thousands of years ago: dogs keep guard and bark if danger appears and in return they are fed scraps. Now dogs can do both; they can still guard you, but instead of eating your food they can eat their own dog food. You might find it tempting to indulge your dog at the table, especially with your furry friend begging for just a morsel. Having a dog content to watch you eat and not ask for handouts is possible, just try this spell to make peace at the table.

You will need:

• A plate you eat off of

• Your dog’s bowl

• Nontoxic erasable black marker or crayon

• Dog food

• Some of your food

Hold your plate and your dog’s bowl and say to your dog:

By Odin’s wolves,

Here is my spell:

Though separate dishes

Together we dwell.

Take the marker and respectfully draw this hagaz rune h on the bottom of your plate. As you draw this rune, speak these words:

Wolf and man,

We have an ancient pact, you and me.

You guard me and I feed thee.

This is your food and this is mine.

Do not beg now or for the rest of time.

Hagaz.*

Now draw the same rune on your dog’s bowl and say:

By Odin’s wolves,

This food I give

To my loyal wolf

So he might live.

This food is yours.

This food is good.

Eat only this

As you should.

Hagaz.

Now dish up your meal on your plate and feed your dog its meal in the bowl. Before eating, say:

We are hungry,

You and me.

We do not share,

My food let be.

My food is mine.

Your food is yours.

Now we will eat

In each other’s company.

Hagaz.

Anytime your dog begs for food hold up your hand then point to your dog’s bowl and say:

Hagaz.

Now sit down and eat.

* Translation (Norse): Hagaz is a rune; here it means a sudden shift, change, or action—a correction in behavior.

Mindful Loyalty Spell

Owning a dog is a great responsibility and one you must keep a focus on in your busy life. Juggling work, play, and errands makes it easy to forget your dog in the hustle. To keep yourself reminded and focused on your quiet, loyal companion and forge a deeper bond with your dog, try this spell. Plus, it is great fun.

You will need:

• Some newspaper

• Self-hardening modeling clay (plaster or clay if you are more crafty)

• A little fur from your dog

• A few strands of your hair

• A sprig of rosemary

In the morning, place the newspaper on the ground and lay out the items facing east. Make sure your dog is with you. You can be at home or outside. Face the rising sun and say:

By Cavall, the loyal Dog Spirit of King Arthur,

By the hound of Cú Chulainn the divine,

By Gwydion, the leader of the hunt,

I am yours and you are mine.

Flatten out the molding clay to about hands-breadth. Press your hand into it. Then gently take your dog’s paw and press it into the clay so a good impression is made.

Take a little of your dog’s fur and a couple strands of your hair and say:

My hounds of heroes,

My hands of spirit,

We are loyal together forever.

Loyal to the end

By the power of Cavall.

So be it.

Press your hair and your dog’s fur into the clay. Finally, press the small sprig of rosemary into the center of it, saying:

An làmb a bheir, ’s i a gheibh*

When done, shake your dog’s paw, hug (and maybe kiss) your dog. Make a small hole near the top of the paw print piece and, when it finishes drying, hang it up as a charm to be forever true to each other.

* Translation (Gaelic): An làmb a bheir, ’s i a gheibh = “the hand that gives is the hand that gets.”

Painless Piddle & Poop Training Charm

A new pup is scared and needs lots of hugging and support. Yet, there is something that we want that puppy to do ASAP, and that is to pee on the paper you have out. Yet, you don’t want to traumatize or even speak harshly to the cute little thing, how could you? This spell, along with some gentle guidance, will get that pup headed in the right piddle direction.

You will need:

• Some cider vinegar

• Some common grass

• A small bowl

• A small artist’s paintbrush

• Some newspaper to put down

At sunset, put the vinegar and the grass in a small bowl. Let it sit for several hours. When ready to cast the spell, lay out the paper on the floor near the pup. Take the bowl of vinegar and grass in one hand and the paintbrush in the other, and walk around the paper three times, saying:

Here’s your space

To poop and pee.

Here your place,

Baj* let it be.

Now, dip the paintbrush into the grassy vinegar and paint a large, sweeping counterclockwise spiral in the center of the paper on the floor saying Baj several times.

If your dog pees or poops somewhere else clean him up and bring him back to the paper and sit him in the spiral. Now say:

No, puppy, no,

This will not do.

This is the place that you pee and poo.

The spell of bad

Come what may,

Pee and poop here

You must obey.

Baj.

Your pup will get the idea faster than you can say “Not on my oriental rug.”

* Translation: Baj = a minor elemental spirit of pee and poop of uncertain origin.

Trust Me & Leave It Spell

Dogs prefer obeying and doing what they are told. Even the most obedient dog will not be able resist a temptation like smelly, dead things to roll in or perhaps another animal catches its interest. This spell will help your dog trust and obey you even in the most tempting situations.

You will need:

• A dried oak leaf

• A plate

• A red strip of ribbon or fabric (natural material about six inches long)

• A permanent green marker

• Matches or a lighter

On a Tuesday at first light, crumble the oak leaf on the plate and light it. As it smokes, pass the red ribbon through the smoke ten times, saying:

Strong as an oak,

Tough as wood.

Fearless and strong,

Do what you should.

Fortis.*

With the green marker, carefully draw the following Theban letters on the red band, saying:

Fortis, Fortis,

Strong and fast,

By this charm

Spirit ever last.

Light the leaf again, pass the band through the smoke three more times, and repeat the same verse. Then say:

(Your dog’s name),

You need to trust and mind.

Do not let your urges blind.

Do not do without command

At home or roaming on the land.

Leave it and walk away.

Be a good dog and trust, obey.

Like I know you can do.

Canem obedire, fiat.*

Scatter the rest of the ashes and leaf bits outside when it finishes burning out.

Wrap the ribbon around your dog’s collar and say:

Minerva dea, fiat.*

If your dog just does not want to leave well enough alone, then anytime this situation appears, say.

Fortis.

* Translation (Latin): Fortis = Strength; Canem obedire, fiat = Dog, obey me, so may it be; Minerva dea, fiat = By the goddess Minerva, so may it be.

What Do You Need? Meditation

Sometimes your dog does crazy-looking things. Some behaviors become a nuisance and may seem illogical or problematic. Often your dog is doing such things because of reasons they cannot communicate. Such behaviors, while irritating, are a cry for understanding. This meditation will help get to the root of these problems.

You will need:

• A rock with a natural hole in it

• String

• A white candle

• Matches or lighter

• Some dried sage

• A blue candle

Wait until your dog does the strange behavior, chewing up the couch or whatever it is. Instead of disciplining your dog, sit quietly with it and breathe deeply until you are both calm. Take the rock and put the string through it. Rocks with holes are very magical, especially if you found one near water. Hold the rock in your right hand and swing it gently in front of you both until the rock stops swinging on its own. Now light the white candle, look into the flame, and say:

I know you are good,

I know you are well,

I know that you need something

That I cannot tell.

Coyalto.*

Take the sage and crush some in your hand, inhaling the scent. Have your dog smell it a bit too. Rub a bit on your third eye and on your dog’s head, gently.

Light the blue candle and say:

Reveal to me

What you need.

Show me a sign

So we both can rest easily.

Coyalto.

Place your hand around or on your dog. Close your eyes and ask your dog, mentally, why are you doing this? What do you need? Now say:

Old Man Coyote,

I call to thee.

By the wisdom way

Help me see.

Spirit of trickster

And mischievous deeds,

Coyalto spirit,

Show me his needs.

Open your mind to receive images and feelings from your dog. You will get clear images and ideas on what is going on and what your dog needs to stop these behaviors. Maybe your pal needs more attention. Maybe a calmer environment. Maybe they hate the smell of that chair. You will see.

When you are clear and done with the psychic meditation, hug your dog, affirm your love, and sprinkle the sage about you both. Then give your pup a treat.

* Translation (Nahuatl): Coyalto = Coyote Spirit/God.

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