When Odysseus left home for Troy he left behind a pup.
Twenty-years later Odysseus returns, disguised as a beggar, but faithful Argos recognizes his voice. After a prick of the ear and a wag of the tail, Argos fades into death. While the Argos element of the story adds sentiment and flavor to the story he also serves as a symbol of all the opportunities lost in the struggles between sailing off to war and returning from it.
Colleen Myers attempts to catch aspects of this relationship in some of her work.
 |
| Argos chases the departing fleet |
 |
| Faithfully Awaiting his Master's Return |
 |
| Argos' life departs |
