We cynics have a special place in our hearts for dogs. There are many anecdotes about the original Cynic, Diogenes (you can look it up) that refer to his dog-like behavior and his praise of a dog's virtues. It is not known whether Diogenes was insulted with the epithet "doggish" and made a virtue of it, or whether he first took up the dog theme himself. When asked why he was called a dog he replied, "I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals."

One explanation offered in ancient times for why the Cynics were called dogs was that Diogenes’ mentor Antisthenes taught in the Cynosarges gymnasium at Athens. The word Cynosarges means the place of the white dog. Later Cynics also sought to turn the word to their advantage, as a later commentator explained:

There are four reasons why the Cynics are so named. First because of the indifference of their way of life, for they make a cult of indifference and, like dogs, eat and make love in public, go barefoot, and sleep in tubs and at crossroads. The second reason is that the dog is a shameless animal, and they make a cult of shamelessness, not as being beneath modesty, but as superior to it. The third reason is that the dog is a good guard, and they guard the tenets of their philosophy. The fourth reason is that the dog is a discriminating animal which can distinguish between its friends and enemies. So do they recognize as friends those who are suited to philosophy, and receive them kindly, while those unfitted they drive away, like dogs, by barking at them.

(Yes, this is the Diogenes who was known for carrying around a lantern in daylight, “looking for an honest man.”)

Anyone want a puppy? My friends in Kyiv have seven to give away. They tried to keep the mother inside but she got out at the wrong time. That’s just how dogs are. Photo from last week: