Working Dogs
Breaking News – Dog Surpasses Blood Test in Detecting Bowel Cancer
Feb 23rd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A specially-trained Labrador Retriever named Marine has made medical history by exhibiting an amazing degree of accuracy in detecting bowel cancer. It is hoped that further studies will lead to new advances in cancer detection and treatment.
A Near-Perfect Performance
Marine was able to detect the presence of bowel cancer by sniffing either the breath or stool samples of 48 people that had previously been diagnosed with the disease. The dog’s accuracy was rated at 95% for breath samples and 98% for stool samples, and was not affected by potentially confusing factors such as smoking or the presence of other gastro-intestinal problems. More >
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Loading ...World’s Smartest Dog?…Border Collie can Identify 1,022 Objects
Feb 16th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Researchers at South Carolina’s Wofford College have announced that a Border Collie has been trained to identify over 1,000 objects. Surprisingly, the clever dog, “Chaser”, can also differentiate between objects and actions involving them – grasping, in essence, the concept of nouns and verbs!
Surpassing Her “Trainers”
Summarized in a recent Behavioral Processes article, the Border Collie experiments are expected to shed light on just what it is that dogs understand when we speak to them. The researchers (or ethologists, as animal behavior specialists are known) pointed out that they stopped introducing new objects at 1,022 due to time constraints – Chaser seemed willing and able to learn more. In fact, her ability to remember all the objects seemed to exceed that of her human trainers! More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Working Dogs – Guard Dogs Benefit Livestock and Wildlife in Europe and Africa
Dec 24th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. At first glance, providing farmers with Karakachans, Kangals and other large, aggressive dogs might not seem an ideal conservation strategy. However, biologists based in Bulgaria and Namibia are doing just that – and both farmers and wildlife are reaping the benefits.
Why Use Dogs at All?
Farmers who use dogs to protect their flocks do not need to rely upon poison, which has for decades been the predator-control method of choice. Poison-laced-bait kills “target species” such as leopards, bears and other large predators as well as rodents, vultures and smaller animals. When the poisoned creature itself dies, scavengers that feed upon its corpse may in turn become victims. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...A 9-11 Tribute – Search and Rescue Dogs at Ground Zero
Sep 10th
It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a decade since the Twin Towers fell. Each year we bow our heads in remembrance of those lost and in honor of those who worked tirelessly in the days and weeks following that fateful day. Some don’t remember or don’t know that service dogs played a vital role in search, rescue and recovery at those disaster sites. I came across this video tribute to the service dogs who worked the Trade Center site, and I really think it is something for everyone to see. Please watch the video and remember these magnificent animals for their past and present service.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Every Dog Deserves its Day: National Dog Day
Aug 26th
National Dog Day
National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe, and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.” (www.nationaldogday.com)
Take a moment to say ‘Thank you’ to your dog today. Something as simple as an extra belly rub or a special treat will be appreciated. Think about donating to your local animal shelter, or host a special dog-gathering with friends. Maybe even think about adding to your fur family on National Dog Day. Whatever you do, remember to celebrate all the wonderful things that dogs do for us each and every day.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Unsung Heroes – Remembering Military Service Dogs on Memorial Day
May 27th
“My eyes are your eyes, to watch and protect you and yours. My ear are your ears to hear and detect evil minds in the dark. My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain. And so you may live, my life is also yours.”
These words, by an unknown author, are the referred to as the K-9 Promise. They are inscribed on many of the memorials and tributes dedicated to War Dogs and K-9 units across our nation – memorials created to remember the thousands of canines who served with American handlers in all branches of the U.S. Military and in all wars foreign and domestic. When you remember servicemen who have given their lives for their country this Memorial Day, remember that many who returned home may owe their lives to these four-pawed heroes and friends. More >
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