17 Beloved Companions: Fascinating Tales of Historic Pets and Their World Famous Masters

Emily Dickinson and Carlo

Emily Dickinson, one of America's greatest poets, had a deep bond with her Newfoundland dog, Carlo. One particularly touching moment came after Dickinson had spent hours immersed in her writing. When she finally looked up from her work, she found Carlo gazing at her with what she called his “wise, knowing eyes.” It was in these moments that she truly cherished their bond, often referring to him in her letters as a being who “knows but does not tell.” Carlo's companionship provided Dickinson with comfort and inspiration during her reclusive life and she experienced profound grief at his death, marked by themes of loss, longing, and mortality in her poetry.