“Baker brought with him a large and very faithful watch dog and being satisfied that the spies who were watching our camp sought the life of Joseph, presented the dog to him; this dog was greatly attached to Joseph, and was generally by his side, keeping close watch of every thing that approached the camp.” — George A. Smith1
In 1834, the Church embarked on Zion’s Camp, led by Joseph Smith, to aid Saints expelled from Jackson County, Missouri.2 During the journey, Joseph was given a dog by another member of the camp, a gift meant to protect the Prophet as the dog had become attached to Joseph during their time together. The dog was an English Mastiff named Old Major and was a part of Joseph’s family for many years after the camp had returned to Kirtland.3
