My master recently took a short 3 day trip to attend a wedding.  His faithful dog (yours truly) stayed home to defend the fortress.  Dogs are often asked to remain loyal, steadfast and true while their owners go on odysseys, quests and business trips.  Humans often take for granted that their dog will be there for them when they get back from their sojourns, and that we will offer them our usual love, affection and a lick on the face when they return.

The master's absence made me think about Argos, the faithful hunting dog of Odysseus.
When Odysseus left Ithaca for twenty years, the once powerful Argos was neglected and fell into ill health.  When Odysseus finally returned, disguised as a beggar, Argos was the first to recognize him.  Odysseus saw him lying in manure, lice ridden, and weak.  The dog could only drop his ears and wag his tail when he saw his master, and Odysseus had to hide his tears so that his disguise would not be compromised.  Argos, finally reunited with his master, "passed into the darkness of death".  His bond with Odysseus restored, he died in peace.

From what I see and read, humans also display loyalty and faithfulness, but it's probably a lot more complicated for you.  The relationship between dog and man is simple and sincere, one party doesn't have to worry about what the other one has been doing during their absence from each other.  For the dog, the fear of abandonment is real, but the reappearance of the master at any time will quickly lead to forgiveness and loving reunion. 
It would be great if humans could count on the same sincerity, loyalty, and immediacy from other humans as they can from dogs. Then again, I guess we dogs wouldn't be quite as special if that was the case.

Buffy
A Mythical Dog Myself

 

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