“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

1. Memoirs of George A. Smith, 1860-1882, 29

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 18, 198-199; "Zelph the Lamanite," mormonr.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 18, 199-203; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 18, 203-204; R. Scott Lloyd, "Praise to the Man's Best Friend," Church News; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 18, 200