Dogs and Death: Guides, Guardians, and Companions
Dogs and Death: Guides, Guardians, and Companions
What if dogs are the original death doulas? Across cultures and time, they’ve been seen as protectors and companions in death, walking alongside humans with loyalty, solace, and presence. From the myths of Anubis and the Xoloitzcuintli to therapy dogs in modern hospices, dogs have guided us through transitions, teaching us to face grief and death with courage. But today, as shelters overflow and countless dogs are abandoned, how can we honor them, not just as symbols, but as living beings deserving of our care and reverence?
Dogs as Death Guides Across Cultures
Anubis in Ancient Egypt
In Egyptian mythology, Anubis, the jackal-headed god, guided souls through the afterlife, weighing their hearts against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth. Those deemed worthy passed into eternal bliss; those unworthy faced annihilation. Anubis’ canine features likely stem from jackals, often seen near burial sites, symbolizing guardianship. For the Egyptians, death was not an end but a transition, and Anubis was both protector and guide in this liminal space.
Cerberus in Greek Mythology
The Greeks imagined Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Hades, as the ultimate guardian of death’s boundary. He prevented souls from escaping and mortals from trespassing. Cerberus wasn’t inherently malevolent; his role was one of balance and order, ensuring that death remained sacred and unbroken. Cerberus symbolizes the importance of boundaries in transitions, guarding the sacredness of death’s realm.
Dogs in Mesopotamian Culture
In ancient Mesopotamia, dogs were associated with healing and protection. The goddess Bau, also known as Ninisina or Gula, was a healing deity often depicted with dogs, highlighting their role in spiritual well-being.
Xoloitzcuintli in Aztec Beliefs
The Aztecs revered the Xoloitzcuintli, a sacred hairless dog, as a gift from the god Xolotl. These dogs guided souls through Mictlan, the underworld, helping them cross rivers and navigate treacherous paths. The Xolo reminds us of the deep connection between dogs and the unseen worlds, their loyalty extending beyond life.
The Cŵn Annwn in Celtic Folklore
In Welsh mythology, the Cŵn Annwn were spectral hounds that roamed the night skies, hunting souls. Their eerie howls heralded death, but they were not purely terrifying. Those pure of heart could find their guidance comforting. The Cŵn Annwn remind us that death is not inherently evil but a natural process, and even its heralds can offer solace.
Dogs in Norse Mythology
Garm is the hound of the goddess of the dead Hel, ruler of the underworld and guards the entrance to the underworld at the dead river Gjöll, dwelling in the cave Gnipahellir. He charges at anyone who approaches the underworld.
Sharvara and Shyama in Hindu Beliefs
In Hindu mythology, Yama, the god of death, is accompanied by two four-eyed dogs, Sharvara and Shyama. These dogs guard the entrance to the afterlife, ensuring the passage of souls and protecting the sacred spaces of transition. They are revered as messengers of Yama, embodying protection and guidance.
Dogs in Native American Beliefs
Various Native American tribes view dogs as spiritual guides and protectors. They are believed to lead souls to the spirit world and safeguard them during their journey.
Dogs in Polynesian Culture
In Polynesian traditions, dogs hold a sacred place. For instance, in Hawaiian mythology, the goddess Pele had a dog companion who warned people of her approach, symbolizing guidance and protection.
Dogs in Modern Oaxaca Culture
In modern times, the Chinantecs and Mixes of Oaxaca believe that a black dog will help the newly dead to cross a body of water, either a river or a sea, to the land of the dead.
Dogs and Death Today: Companions in Transition
Therapy dogs play an invaluable role in modern hospice care, offering emotional support to patients and families alike. Their quiet presence provides grounding during life’s most vulnerable moments. Dogs seem to sense when someone is nearing death, curling up beside them as if to say, You are not alone.
But as we celebrate their role in end-of-life care, we must also ask: How are we caring for the companions who give so much? Shelters overflow with dogs who are abandoned or neglected. While we rely on them to provide comfort, we often fail to offer them the same compassion.
How Dogs Guide Our Spirit Through Death
Dogs are considered guides in death because of their innate ability to sense transitions, their unwavering presence, and their role as protectors of thresholds.
1. They Sense and Respond to Energy: Dogs are highly attuned to the emotional and physical states of those around them. They sense fear, grief, and even physical decline, often responding with quiet companionship or protective behaviors. In many hospice settings, therapy dogs instinctively stay close to those nearing the end of life, their presence grounding and comforting.
2. They Hold Space Without Judgment: Like death doulas, dogs excel at holding space. They do not demand explanations or solutions; they simply offer their presence. This unconditional support allows people to process their grief and fear without pressure or expectation, creating an environment of acceptance.
3. They Guide Across Thresholds: In the myths, dogs are often depicted as guardians of liminal spaces, guiding souls across rivers, through gates, or into the afterlife. This symbolism reflects their role in providing a sense of safety and continuity during transitions, reminding us that even in the face of death, we are not alone.
4. They Connect Us to the Present: Dogs live in the moment, reminding us to do the same. This ability to ground us in the now is particularly powerful during times of grief and loss, helping us focus on the love and connection still available rather than the fear of what lies ahead.
A Personal Reflection: Dogs as Healers
When my father died and my mother left for cancer treatment, I felt utterly lost. Overnight, I became a grieving daughter and a surrogate parent for my younger sister, who was spiraling into her own pain. The only constant in my life were my dogs. They stayed by my side, silently witnessing my heartbreak, offering a love that anchored me through those dark days.
In that comfort, I started to take in more stray dogs. Pouring my love into them gave my grief a sense of purpose. They didn’t judge the chaos in my life; they simply accepted it. In their presence, I found strength I didn’t know I had. Dogs didn’t just comfort me during that time, they made meaning of my grief.
Our Responsibility
Across cultures and time, dogs have stood by humans in life and death. They are our teachers, our companions, and our guides. From the myths of Anubis and the Xoloitzcuintli to therapy dogs in modern hospices, they have seen us, known us, and guided us through the unknown. They walk beside us, steadfast and loyal, reminding us that even in death, we are not alone.
But as I reflect on these stories, one thing becomes clear: our reverence for dogs as guides must come with a responsibility to them. Yes, they are our protectors and companions, but how have we reciprocated their loyalty? How have we cared for the beings who have cared so deeply for us?
Shelters overflow with dogs who have been abandoned, neglected, and mistreated. Strays roam the streets, unseen and uncared for. If dogs are to guide us in death, then we must guide them in life. We owe them not just love but action: adoptions, advocacy, better systems of care, and a collective commitment to honoring their lives as they have honored ours.
To honor dogs is to honor death itself, not as an end, but as a transition filled with love, presence, and liberation. And to truly honor them, we must also honor their right to live free from suffering, with the dignity, care, and love they have so freely given to us.
Michelle Carrera is a death doula, grief educator, and animal chaplain dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the sacred transitions of life and death. Through her work at Grief and Liberation, she offers guidance, support, and resources for those facing loss and transformation. Learn more about her services, download free resources, sign up for weekly Monday Mournings missives, or schedule a consultation at www.griefandliberation.com.