As February unfolds and Valentine’s Day approaches, naturally, our thoughts turn to love. In Wales, in particular, where folklore weaves magic into everyday life, pets have long embodied the purest expressions of affection, fidelity and trust. Over the centuries, from legendary hounds to heroic rescuers and enchanted herders, these tales – past and present – remind us why our dog and cat companions hold such a special place in our hearts. Here in Wrexham, for example, with its rich Welsh heritage, these stories resonate deeply, and as a result, inspire us to cherish our own pets.
Gelert
First of all, one of the most poignant legends is that of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century. Set among the misty valleys of Snowdonia near Beddgelert – literally “Gelert’s Grave” – the story unfolds on a fateful hunting day. Llywelyn left his beloved Irish Wolfhound to guard his infant son. However, returning to find the cradle overturned, blood smeared across the room and Gelert’s muzzle stained red, the prince assumed the worst.
In a moment of grief, he plunged his sword into the dog’s heart. Shortly afterwards, a child’s cry emerged from beneath the cradle. Beside it, lay a slain wolf – Gelert had protected the baby. Consequently, overcome with remorse, Llywelyn buried his loyal companion with honours, and ever since, the tale has endured as a lesson in trust and loyalty.
Swansea Jack
Meanwhile, fast-forward to the 1930s and we meet Swansea Jack, a black retriever whose bravery saved lives along the docks and River Tawe. Born in 1930, Jack lived with his owner, William Thomas, near the busy waterfront. Not only that, he became known for instinctive dives into dangerous waters, rescuing 27 people and two dogs over seven years. For instance, his first, unreported rescue was a 12-year-old boy in 1931; soon after, he pulled a swimmer to safety before a crowd, earning a silver collar from the local council.
Over time, awards followed, including two bronze medals from the National Canine Defence League and the title “Bravest Dog of the Year”. Jack died in 1937 after ingesting rat poison, but nevertheless, his legacy lives on. To this day, Swansea locals are still known as “Jacks” in his honour, a tribute to selfless love.
Welsh Corgis
In addition, even the iconic Welsh corgi carries whispers of enchantment. Originally bred as hardy farm dogs in Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire, corgis have long symbolised loyalty and devotion. According to folklore, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were gifts from the fairies of Wales, once used to pull fairy coaches, herd magical cattle and carry elfin warriors into battle. Moreover, the distinctive white markings across their shoulders are said to be “fairy saddle” marks, left behind from those mythical rides.
In more recent times, heartwarming stories continue to emerge. For example, Skippy, a Welsh Corgi, adapted remarkably to life with his hearing-impaired family. As a result, he nudged them towards visitors or away from danger, communicating without sound and demonstrating quiet devotion.
Similarly, in 2012, in Holyhead on Anglesey, a stray tabby cat named Pwditat formed an unlikely bond with Terfel, a blind chocolate Labrador. By gently guiding him around obstacles, she helped him regain confidence to explore his home and garden. Ultimately, their bond, shared widely across Wales, became a touching symbol of loyalty across species.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Welsh Tails of Devotion, Loyalty, and Trust”. Click here for more of our pet articles.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: info@beastlythoughts.co.uk - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
