Two centuries before social media turned pets into stars, Lord Byron wrote one of the most powerful tributes ever penned to a dog.
Epitaph to a Dog immortalises his beloved Newfoundland, Boatswain — the loyal companion who inspired poetry that still moves pet lovers today.
Written in 1808 and engraved on Boatswain’s monument at Newstead Abbey, Byron’s words capture a bond deeper than friendship: the purity, courage, and devotion that dogs offer so freely, yet humans often fail to match.
More than a eulogy, this poem is a timeless reflection on love, loyalty, and loss — and a reminder that our pets often embody the best parts of us.
In this article, we revisit Byron’s extraordinary Epitaph to a Dog, explore the story behind it, and uncover why this 19th-century masterpiece still resonates with modern pet owners.
A must-read for dog lovers, poetry fans, and anyone who’s ever had their heart stolen by a furry friend.
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“Time spent with cats is never wasted”
