Una and the lion, from Spenser's Faerie Queen
"You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours."
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours."
— Robinson Jeffers, "The House Dog's Grave"
Ah, the loyal, lovable, non-human friend. For whatever reason these dutiful companions will follow their (usually) human friend just about anywhere. Sometimes it be magic, other times merely loyalty. In any event, everybody loves pets that know how to kick ass.
Subtrope of Interspecies Friendship. Despite the name, Morality Pet doesn't belong here.
Sub-tropes:
- Absent Animal Companion
- Action Pet
- All Animals Are Domesticated
- Androcles' Lion
- Apathetic Pet
- Bond Creatures
- A Boy and His X
- Canine Companion
- Post-Apocalyptic Dog (because man needs a best friend even After the End, and it is usually a dog)
- Right-Hand Attack Dog (although this is not always a dog, despite the name)
- Cool Horse
- Diligent Draft Animal
- Empathy Pet
- Familiar
- Homeless Pigeon Person (mostly the pigeons)
- Housepet Pig
- Mentor Mascot
- Mon
- Non-Human Sidekick
- Parrot Pet Position (these get a special seat)
- Pirate Parrot
- Right-Hand Cat (although this is not always a cat, despite the name)
- Shoulder-Sized Dragon (there's a reason they are conveniently shoulder-sized)
- Team Pet
- Unusual Pets for Unusual People
- Weasel Mascot
