The Lydney Dog

The Lydney Dog was found in Lydney, Gloucestershire at the Temple of Nodens. The figurine is possibly an Irish Wolfhound. The elongated snout aspect of its form resembles our canine figurine. With the discovery of this object in the the Temple of Nodens, the association of our figurine with a healing context is only strengthened.

Additionally, a plate with the image of a dog was found near the temple with the inscription, “Pectillus dedicates this votive offering which he had promised to the god Nudens Mars,” indicating that the Romans associated dogs with the gods. Furthermore, depictions of these Wolfhounds were also found on the temple’s walls.