For whom are you waiting?

As I was wending my way up the locks on the road home, I noticed this dog patiently waiting for someone or something. Before I crossed the canal I'd seen a fellow with a black dog coming towards me. He passed me, but was he with his dog? It didn't seem important at the time. Then I noticed what you now see. I know that dogs can be seen patiently waiting outside shops, but the nearest one to here is ten minutes away. It either shows extreme subservience or amazing loyalty.