Proof that the penchant for canines is not confined to the United States comes from a fascinating article about Moscow's Stray Dogs in the Financial Times. Muscovites are enamored with pure bred dogs as well as the vast population of strays that roam the city, as Susanne Sternthal reports.
There are approximately 35,000 stray dogs that roam Moscow's capital city--which breaks down to about 84 dogs per square mile. From the photos in the article, the stray dogs closely resemble wolves and are the antithesis of the small, toy types that Muscovites love to pamper.
In fact, Andrei Poyarkov, a biologist specializing in wolves, has spent over thirty years studying this stray dog population, intrigued by among other things, their resemblance to wolves. Genetically, in fact, wolves and dogs are identical; what is different is their degree of domestication.
Interestingly enough, Moscow's stray dogs, Poyarkov believes, are somewhere between wild and tame and moving back toward the wild. He divides Moscow's stray dogs into 4 types: those that guard places (usually fenced in institutions like hospitals); those that beg from easy marks they learn to identify on the streets; those that are more or less socialized toward people but who still scavenge for food from dumpsters; and those that are the "wildest"--the predators that are not socialized toward people and who patrol the city at night.
I highly recommend the piece especially if you want to learn about Moscow's "metro dogs," strays that actually ride the metro from station to station, scavenge for food en route and have learned to expect certain handouts from certain commuters at certain times.
"Personally," says Poyarkov, "I think [strays] make life in the city more interesting."
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Research Across Species Holds Great Promise
I am working an a fascinating story about the field of comparative oncology, in which tissues from dogs with various stages of mammary tumors is being analyzed in terms of its molecular composition, to determine when a tumor changes from benign to malignant. It is believed that the molecular composition of these tumors is the same in dogs as people, so there are vets as well as human oncologists involved in this research.
All of which brings me to the topic of obsessive compulsive disorder, which, researchers have just discovered, is controlled by the same gene in humans as in dogs. Of course, this finding was made possible by the discovery of the gene in dogs that controls this behavior.
Researchers at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University have reported this finding in this month's issue of Nature Molecular Psychiatry. Edward Gins, director of medical genetics at University of Massachusetts Medical School, assisted. According to Gins, the gene identified in the study, exists in both humans and dogs.
What is interesting is that the mere presence of the gene is not always as predictor, in humans, of whether or not the person or will develop the disorder, but its presence does indicate it is more likely. In addition, the use of Prozac to treat both humans and dogs also highlights the similarities of the behavior across species.
The ethical reasons for doing research on dogs who already manifest the behavior or condition that is being studied are enormous. Rather than inject these "diseases" into animals, why not treat and study those who already have them, with the side light being the potential to improve the animals quality of life?
It is an exciting and promising window into animal research and highlights the need for a federal agency, similar to NIH, to fund ongoing work.
All of which brings me to the topic of obsessive compulsive disorder, which, researchers have just discovered, is controlled by the same gene in humans as in dogs. Of course, this finding was made possible by the discovery of the gene in dogs that controls this behavior.
Researchers at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University have reported this finding in this month's issue of Nature Molecular Psychiatry. Edward Gins, director of medical genetics at University of Massachusetts Medical School, assisted. According to Gins, the gene identified in the study, exists in both humans and dogs.
What is interesting is that the mere presence of the gene is not always as predictor, in humans, of whether or not the person or will develop the disorder, but its presence does indicate it is more likely. In addition, the use of Prozac to treat both humans and dogs also highlights the similarities of the behavior across species.
The ethical reasons for doing research on dogs who already manifest the behavior or condition that is being studied are enormous. Rather than inject these "diseases" into animals, why not treat and study those who already have them, with the side light being the potential to improve the animals quality of life?
It is an exciting and promising window into animal research and highlights the need for a federal agency, similar to NIH, to fund ongoing work.
Friday, January 29, 2010
In Memoriam
This is the day, January 29, when three years ago, we lost Barbaro to complications of laminitis. It is a day when many Fans of Barbaro stop, pause and reflect on their journeys with and without this special horse, who inspired and continues to inspire so many to act on behalf of horses everywhere. It is a bittersweet day, as always.
This year, however, is perhaps a little less sad due, in part, to the promise that the racing careers of Nicanor and Lentenor represent. Lentenor, in particular, seems to have caught the eyes of the racing press who are still talking about his maiden race.
Jeremy Plonk, over at ESPN.com has made him the Number 6 pick for the Kentucky Derby, noting that he was "phenomenal in his turf return at 1-1/16 miles" and that he, the not often effusive journalist, "is giddy about Lentenor off this race." High and significant praise indeed coming from one who admitted that he wasn't part of "the heart-felt hype" prior to this performance.
Nicanor should be making his return to the turn in the Spring, another reason to look forward, not back.
No one will ever forget Barbaro. That much is certain. He touched a chord in the minds of the general public that is a throwback to the racing heroes of old and his valiant career, both before and after his injury inspired so many to do so much good.
But in his soul, Barbaro was a race horse. And for his brothers to become similar athletes is more than fitting. It is, in many ways, one of his greatest legacies.
This year, however, is perhaps a little less sad due, in part, to the promise that the racing careers of Nicanor and Lentenor represent. Lentenor, in particular, seems to have caught the eyes of the racing press who are still talking about his maiden race.
Jeremy Plonk, over at ESPN.com has made him the Number 6 pick for the Kentucky Derby, noting that he was "phenomenal in his turf return at 1-1/16 miles" and that he, the not often effusive journalist, "is giddy about Lentenor off this race." High and significant praise indeed coming from one who admitted that he wasn't part of "the heart-felt hype" prior to this performance.
Nicanor should be making his return to the turn in the Spring, another reason to look forward, not back.
No one will ever forget Barbaro. That much is certain. He touched a chord in the minds of the general public that is a throwback to the racing heroes of old and his valiant career, both before and after his injury inspired so many to do so much good.
But in his soul, Barbaro was a race horse. And for his brothers to become similar athletes is more than fitting. It is, in many ways, one of his greatest legacies.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
iPad Lust
So it's here--and I want one!
Amid all the hoopla, the ipad was launched yesterday and as predicted, it will change the way we do the things we do everyday, from answering email to reading a newspaper.
At first glance it looks like a giant iphone--which you already know, I adore--and my first reaction was, OK, a large screen is nice, but do I really need another piece of equipment.
And then I scrolled down to the tech specifications and learned all about the word processing capabilities (not to mention, spread sheets and power point presentations) and the missing link in my life was suddenly found. This is a very user friendly lap top for those of us who use our laptops as traveling computers.
The ipad is not a main computer, nor would I want it to be, but it is an amazing laptop for people like me who use their lap tops on the road and then come home and transfer things to their main computer.
Check it out on the Apple main page and be forewarned that the video may time out because so many people are watching it!
Don't worry, my name is already on the list!
Amid all the hoopla, the ipad was launched yesterday and as predicted, it will change the way we do the things we do everyday, from answering email to reading a newspaper.
At first glance it looks like a giant iphone--which you already know, I adore--and my first reaction was, OK, a large screen is nice, but do I really need another piece of equipment.
And then I scrolled down to the tech specifications and learned all about the word processing capabilities (not to mention, spread sheets and power point presentations) and the missing link in my life was suddenly found. This is a very user friendly lap top for those of us who use our laptops as traveling computers.
The ipad is not a main computer, nor would I want it to be, but it is an amazing laptop for people like me who use their lap tops on the road and then come home and transfer things to their main computer.
Check it out on the Apple main page and be forewarned that the video may time out because so many people are watching it!
Don't worry, my name is already on the list!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Punch and Judy?
The above incident happened on January 8 at Philly Park. The two jockeys in question have been suspended but certainly this does little to improve the image of horse racing in general. Unbelievably dangerous behavior for men who make their livings riding 1000 plus pound animals at forty miles an hour. What would have happened if one actually punched the other one off?
I hate to think.
Take it outside, guys. Not on the backs of the beasts who make you what you are.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Always Take Your Cell Phone
My local dog park is a wonderful place, as many of you already know, and I have made some wonderful friends there. Today as I was walking to my car with my brood in tow, I ran into one who actually owns a beautiful golden retriever named Billy who could be Sam's clone--except Billy is about 20 pounds heavier and a bit more square than Sam.
In any event, we caught up while the dogs did their usual chase routine and she told me about Billy's latest stint as a search and rescue dog, which I am going to share with you because of the important message embedded within the tale.
It seems that Billy's dad likes to take him to the park late in the afternoons for an evening run. Their usual routine is from about 4:30 until 5:30, at which point it is pretty dark. Now I personally would not want to be tripping over tree branches or vines in the dark, but he doesn't mind it.
Last week when he was coming back to the parking lot after his walk, Billy's dad saw and heard a fire engine and an ambulance barreling up the driveway into the park. He asked them what was going on and they told him that someone had fallen in the park and called 911 on his cell phone. The firemen said that the victim's location was near the first granite steps but they had no idea where that was. Well Billy's dad did and offered to take them. But first he was told he had to leash Billy.
After frantically searching (to no avail) for a leash in the car, he called his wife who told him that the leash was sitting at home on the kitchen counter. So the firemen told Billy and his dad they couldn't come.
"OK," said Billy's dad and started walking to his car. About one minute later, the firemen were back, having determined that they had absolutely no idea where the first set of granite steps were, especially in the dark. They told Billy's dad he could show them, without a leash.
Which is what they did and when Billy found the victim, he went and sat right next to him, along with the man's dog, who was also keeping vigil. They loaded him onto a stretcher, hooked up an IV, and transported him to the ambulance, which Billy's dad had instructed them to park at the bottom of the hill. The man had broken his elbow and was in a lot of pain.
Needless to say, Billy and his dad are feeling pretty proud of themselves. All of which reminds me to tell you to always take your cell phone when you are hiking and to think about calling a person who knows the trails as well as 911. I hate to think what would have happened to that poor man if Billy and his dad hadn't been there.
We may think our dogs will save us, and they might, but a cell phone and is more reliable.
In any event, we caught up while the dogs did their usual chase routine and she told me about Billy's latest stint as a search and rescue dog, which I am going to share with you because of the important message embedded within the tale.
It seems that Billy's dad likes to take him to the park late in the afternoons for an evening run. Their usual routine is from about 4:30 until 5:30, at which point it is pretty dark. Now I personally would not want to be tripping over tree branches or vines in the dark, but he doesn't mind it.
Last week when he was coming back to the parking lot after his walk, Billy's dad saw and heard a fire engine and an ambulance barreling up the driveway into the park. He asked them what was going on and they told him that someone had fallen in the park and called 911 on his cell phone. The firemen said that the victim's location was near the first granite steps but they had no idea where that was. Well Billy's dad did and offered to take them. But first he was told he had to leash Billy.
After frantically searching (to no avail) for a leash in the car, he called his wife who told him that the leash was sitting at home on the kitchen counter. So the firemen told Billy and his dad they couldn't come.
"OK," said Billy's dad and started walking to his car. About one minute later, the firemen were back, having determined that they had absolutely no idea where the first set of granite steps were, especially in the dark. They told Billy's dad he could show them, without a leash.
Which is what they did and when Billy found the victim, he went and sat right next to him, along with the man's dog, who was also keeping vigil. They loaded him onto a stretcher, hooked up an IV, and transported him to the ambulance, which Billy's dad had instructed them to park at the bottom of the hill. The man had broken his elbow and was in a lot of pain.
Needless to say, Billy and his dad are feeling pretty proud of themselves. All of which reminds me to tell you to always take your cell phone when you are hiking and to think about calling a person who knows the trails as well as 911. I hate to think what would have happened to that poor man if Billy and his dad hadn't been there.
We may think our dogs will save us, and they might, but a cell phone and is more reliable.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Care For Me, I'm Yours
Just in from VPI, the pet insurance company that sends your pets birthday cards (among other things), the list of the five most common canine ailments. Drum roll please:
1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots
4. Gastritis/Vomiting
5. Enteritis/Diarrhea
Of course if you have dogs, you will probably be familiar with all of the above, but I think it is always helpful to know when an illness is routine, as opposed to life threatening. It is also important to note that both severe gastritis and severe enteritis can be life threatening.
VPI's take on the above is that prevention can ward off many of these health problems. Cleaning a dog's ears routinely is a good way to keep wax and dirt from building up. Regular bathing and grooming may help keep skin allergies, including hot spots, in check and careful diet, exercise and policing of dog toileting areas are good ways to help stave off stomach upsets.
In other words, you are responsible for preventing as well as treating your dog's routine illnesses so try not to shirk your responsibilities. Remember, your dog's health is in your hands.
1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots
4. Gastritis/Vomiting
5. Enteritis/Diarrhea
Of course if you have dogs, you will probably be familiar with all of the above, but I think it is always helpful to know when an illness is routine, as opposed to life threatening. It is also important to note that both severe gastritis and severe enteritis can be life threatening.
VPI's take on the above is that prevention can ward off many of these health problems. Cleaning a dog's ears routinely is a good way to keep wax and dirt from building up. Regular bathing and grooming may help keep skin allergies, including hot spots, in check and careful diet, exercise and policing of dog toileting areas are good ways to help stave off stomach upsets.
In other words, you are responsible for preventing as well as treating your dog's routine illnesses so try not to shirk your responsibilities. Remember, your dog's health is in your hands.
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