Order of the Hound

Our Code

The Order of The Hound focuses our beliefs into three fundamental pillars that serve as a guide for how we can interact with our companions to grow and empower both our physical and spiritual existence together.

1. Show respect, love, and kindness to all animals.
2. Help those in need when you can.
3. Stand against cruelty and abuse.

Doctrine

The Order of The Hound is a religion that celebrates the spiritual bond between humans and their creature companions. We believe that this bond is undeniable and extends beyond our physical forms. While we do not claim to know what existence is beyond our current existence, we know that the bond we share with our companions does not end with the end of our physical life.

From the very origins of humankind, there has been an undeniable bond with the other creatures of this world. The Order of the Hound takes its name from one of the greatest allies to humanity throughout the history of our existence. However, our spiritual allies are not limited to those of the canine family; from canines and felines, to equines and aves, these companions are bound to us, offering friendship, service, love, and spiritual guidance in this world and beyond.

In these companions, we find a bond more powerful than one born of necessity or survival, we find spiritual wholeness. As we aid each other through our existence in the physical world, so do we aid each other in the transition to, and existence in, whatever existence awaits us beyond this physical world.

As they offer us their friendship, so must we offer our friendship to them. Like their human counterparts, our creature companions can exist in solitude, however, also like their humans, their souls can be fragile and broken. The surest way to mend the soul of all creatures is through kindness.

As they offer us their service, so must we offer our service to them. A dog may dedicate its life to be the very eyes for a human who has lost their ability to see requires our service to provide food, shelter, exercise, and a loving home.

As they offer us their protection, so must we offer our protection to them. We are no stranger to the stories of our companions protecting humans as one of their own, often at the risk or expense of their own life. In kind, it is our responsibility to protect them from neglect and constantly evolving threats of technology.

As they offer us their love, so must we offer our love to them. If you have known a dog’s love, then you know that when fostered, it is unconditional and unbreakable. Their instinct is to love, and when the love is returned, it forms one of the most powerful bonds a human can experience.

As much as these creatures do to serve and aid our existence on earth, they cannot do so alone. Just as we rely on them, they rely on us. We are partners in our existence and we must exist to support one another. Furthermore, for all the examples of true friendship, service, love, and sacrifice, humankind is no stranger to treachery and does not discriminate as to which creatures must bear the burden of their atrocities.

We must strive to end the senseless cruelty inflicted on those who cannot defend themselves. To that end, we accept that it is our responsibility to stand for what is right and just. As it is our responsibility to speak up and do whatever we can in the face of abuse, neglect, or cruelty.

Membership

Want to become a member? It's super easy! Just abide by our doctrine and treat every creature with dignity and respect. Welcome to the Order of the Hound!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you believe dogs are gods?

No. We don’t believe dogs are gods. The Order of the Hound does not define nor reject the belief of the existence of a god or gods in our existence. Rather than projecting beliefs of gods or higher powers, the Order of the Hound celebrates the spiritual bond between humankind and their canine counterparts.

Do you worship dogs?

We worship all animals by giving thanks, showing respect, and treating every creature with kindness.

I feel like I’m more of a cat person, is there an Order of the Feline?

The Order of the Hound believes that all creatures exist with us in the spiritual plane and certainly does not discriminate against our feline companions. There are plenty of examples throughout our history where humans were helped and guided by cats and we believe cats (and many other creatures) play a pivotal role in the spiritual guidance of humanity to this day.

Do you have to be vegetarian to be a member?

While vegans and vegetarians are welcome to join, it is not a requirement. We understand that humans are omnivores. We understand that the act of eating meat doesn’t inherently disrespect or diminish the value of the life that was sacrificed. We believe that when you do consume another life, you must give thanks to the creature that sacrificed for you. Most of our closest spiritual companions, dogs and cats, cannot adequately survive on a vegetarian diet, we do not believe that diminishes their spirit, just as we believe it does not have to diminish our own.

How do you “pray”?

We worship all animals by giving thanks, showing respect, and treating every creature with kindness. Most often, this takes the form of showing love, it could be a kind pat on the head or a walk around the block.

How do I join?

The Order of the Hound is open to all who love, respect, and care for our animal companions, all you need to do to join is to continue to show your love and kindness.

How do I donate to your cause?

In time, we are planning to open a sanctuary for all abandoned animals. When that dream becomes a reality, we will gladly accept your help to fund the land, food, structures, staff, and everything else needed to provide a safe and happy sanctuary for our beloved furry friends. Until then, we encourage our members to support local shelters, sanctuaries, and wildlife care efforts in any way they can.

Support the Order

At this point in time, we are unable to accept donations. If you are looking to help, we enourage you to look into supporting your local shelters, sanctuaries, and wildlife care efforts.