Devdutt Pattanaik explores the fascinating role of dogs in Hindu mythology, from the Rigveda to later traditions. • The earliest reference is to Sarama, the female dog who helps Indra recover his stolen cows. Because of her service, Indra blesses all dogs. • In Shaivism, dogs accompany Lord Shiva in his form of Bhairava. • In the imagery of Dattatreya, the Trimurti Rupi sage, four dogs always sit with him, representing the four Vedas. Through these stories, we realize that in Hinduism, animals a