Dogs and our history

This is where one might say the dogs exist in a category of their own, I suppose the horse is another servant and friend that may occasionally wonder into this category but it's rare. 
Consider this story from middle age Welsh history that has much popular status in its folklore.
Back in the 13th Century lived a Welsh Prince called Llewellyn who was presented with a gift of a dog called Gelert (welsh for "faithful"). He has also a new born baby son. One day up-on returning from a hunting trip he entered his chamber to see the cot overturned and the baby missing, and the dog covered in blood, assuming that Gelert had turned on and attached the baby he drew his sword and killed the dog. Seconds latter he noticed a mortally wounded wolf in the chamber as well and also the baby under the upturned cot; unharmed. Gelert had defended the baby against the stray wolf saving his life.
The prince realizing his mistake was so taken with shame and guilt that he wept helplessly and vowed to never smile again. He also arranged a state funeral for the dog which was even added to in the 18th century (500 years latter this is) paying homage to the faithfulness and courage of Gelert. 
Quite a story – but when one trawls through history it is noticeable how many more there are to the devoted Dog than any other species.