Loyalty is a simple term, yet with a complicated meaning. It can not easily be defined in a simple sentence as it involves relationships which are also complicated. Loyalty for me is about being by the side of those who I love no matter what circumstances I or they have. A loyal friend means for me that I stick by their side and support them all the time while at the same time encourage them to be better persons. In simpler words, loyalty for me is the relationship that is characterized by mutual respect and mutual care from both sides when no one in the relationship is willing to give up on it. It is an act of love!
In The Story of Greyfriars Bobby, loyalty is obvious from the dog’s side to his owner as the dog stuck to the owner even after his death. The dog refused to leave the place despite James Brown, the keeper of the kirkyard, trying to remove the dog. The dog refused and wanted to stay with the owner even after his death. The dog is loyal to the owner no matter the circumstances. This example may be a bit exaggerated but it illustrates what loyalty can mean.
I once had a friend when I was a teenager who was loyal to me and at the same time I was loyal back to him. She was the same age as I am and we did everything together. Once, the whole class tried to make fun of my clothes and mock me but she stood against them and defended me, just because I was her friend.
Finally, loyalty is an act of love that can characterize all kinds of relationships regardless of they are friendship, partnership or even a relationship between an animal and a human as in the story.