More on Pugs; Read “Bark”; Sadie; and Dental Care
Last week we wrote about an anonymous New Jersey Pug that set a legal precedent when he was declared to have a “Special Subjective Value” in a custody case. Now another New Jersey Pug has made history by inspiring his owner, a Princeton neurosurgeon, in a scientific breakthrough in the study of dog brains. Perhaps we should look into the possibility of Pugs being Ambassadors of the Bond?
In the latter case, the Pug was taken to a veterinary clinic for spinal surgery. The owner, a Princeton researcher, noted the multitude of MRIs around and immediately realized he had discovered a source of data for research on dog brains–scientific canine phrenology! He writes, “We began by looking for relationships between dog brain size and complex tasks. My Pug is very sweet, but not the brightest– whereas Australian Shepherds and Poodles can do complex tasks.” Of course, he then decided to also look into brain size in relation to behavior and temperament. The researcher advises people that doing Sudoku will not maintain mental fitness but doing physical exercise might!! So how do we translate increased exercise into higher IQ’s or is this something dog trainers have known for years?
RETITLING THE BLOG. If I were to re-title this BLOG I would call it “THE DOG OWNERS READERS DIGEST”. It seems to usually consist of information I have read and think you would like to know or read too. There may be an opinion or so– hopefully something for you to question
READ THIS MONTH’s “BARK”. The latest copy of BARK is my choice of reading matter this week for everyone–it contains a list of the 100 of the Best and the Brightest, most influential people in dogdom. I am sure you will have some favorites who should have been there and are missing. Notably missing for me were Drs. Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher, whose book on the human animal animal bond was and is a bible. Dr. Beck also pioneered in dog bite research. Dr. Mary Burch is missing as well as are the others who formed and codified the Canine Good Citizen test. (Watch it being used with the Vick victims in DogTown on National Geographic.) I also would add Jamie Quakenbush, who wrote the first book on grief and pet loss, and the late Job Michael Evans, who changed our world with “How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend”. And our own Ursula Kempe is missing. If your name isn’t there–mine wasn’t, of course–we are in good company! Do read this copy of BARK. Some of these greats I knew personally and intend to share stories with readers as well as backstories.
DOGS IN THE NEWS. You might call “Sadie”, the Scottish Terrier that went BIS at Westminster, an “old-fashioned dog”! No fancy toys for her–her handler’s shoes are the favorite fun and chicken hot dogs the favorite snack. She knows the words hot dog in 5 languages! Plans for the future–motherhood.
DENTAL CARE. So much on dental care this month. Watch for xylitol as an ingredient in toothpastes and water additives. It can cause low blood sugar and compromise the liver. Chlorhexidine is effective in killing bacteria but it has side effects including staining. Oral gels are best for dogs with missing teeth. Source: AKC Gazette
SAD NEWS FROM CESAR. Cesar Milan’s beloved “DADDY” passed yesterday. The pit bull was 16 years old and died of cancer. Although he had chemotherapy treatment I doubt whether those of us who watched the Dog Whisperer were aware of his illness.
Feb 23, 2010 | | Uncategorized