The Elden Ring 'Dogs' meme stems from the game's unique messaging system, which allows players to leave notes for others using pre-set templates and words. Shortly after the game's 2022 release, players began ironically labeling almost every non-hostile creature—most famously the slow-moving, peaceful turtles—as a 'dog.' This absurdity quickly evolved into a community-wide tradition, specifically targeting the beloved character Miriel, Pastor of Vows. The meme perfectly encapsulates the collaborative and often nonsensical humor of the FromSoftware player base, turning a simple mechanical limitation into an iconic inside joke that defines the social experience of the Lands Between.