Hound of Charity

The act of adopting a Hound of Charity is (or simply "a charity") is an old custom practiced primarily among the elven cultures of melorari, keatheire and shantyr, as well as the humans of the aji-telukaa. It is strongly tied to the worship of Riaghail, the god of peace and prosperity.

Origins

The custom has its origins in the myth of the Golden Hound. In the myth, a stray hound of black matter fur arrives at the doorstep of an elven man, the owner of a humble boarding house. The animal is starved and has been battered and driven away by the other villagers, and with its last strength, it lies down in front of the man's door.
The owner takes pity on the beast, and though he is of scarce means himself, he feeds it, bathes it and gives it a warm place to sleep in the nook of the common room. One morning, after a night of hard sleep on an empty stomach, the man wakes up to find that the dog is not there to greet him. In that warm nook of his tavern, he instead finds a hound of pure gold, glimmering with divine light and warmth. Word of this miracle spreads, and the man, his family and his entire line are left never wanting for food or safety again, as the hound of the Shepherd God now provides them what they so graciously offered to it.

Tradition

As per the myth which gave birth to the tradition, should you find a stray hound on your doorstep, it is customary to take it in and make it part of your family. To show grace and hospitality to poorly-treated animals is a virtue in Riaghail's eyes, and it is said to foster compassion in one's soul.
Professions and establishments which lure dogs to them (such as inns, butchers and bakers) are considered good and fortunate among Riaghail's faithful. Those who work such professions often find themselves caring after a whole pack of dogs, but they swear their charity is likewise returned to them through good fortune.

Consequences

To deny the safety and warmth of a hearth from a stray dog is believed to invite misfortune to your house. Some take it a step further, believing that such an act of cruelty will bring the curse of ill fortune to the whole community.