I recall taking an anthropology class in college where we learned about an ethnic group in China known as the Musuo. The Musuo had a belief that once humans had a very short lifespan and dogs much longer lifespan. The Musuo believe that at some point in history, dogs traded lifespans with people so humans could live longer. Since dogs provided this service to humanity, the Musuo highly revere dogs in their culture. I always thought that was a very touching bit of mythology.

Mosuo

That’s just him in particular lol, good doggo. I’ve had some bark at the giant eye trying to steal their soul, some kinda hide, but mostly they just continue about their doggy business, or want to investigate and boop my lens.