A Furry Little War Hero, Nala Naps Around, World’s Tallest Dog, and More!
Best Boy Ever: A Furry Little War Hero Gets His Medal
Hope is still alive in war-torn Ukraine, most recently in the form of a small Jack Russell Terrier named Patron. Since the beginning of the war in February, this diminutive bomb sniffer has been credited with detecting over 250 undetonated mines and missiles left behind by Russian troops, and his number of saves continues to rise.
In fact, Patron, whose name translates to “ammo” or “protector,” has become a beloved symbol of bravery in Ukraine and beyond. He’s a popular visitor at children’s hospitals where he boosts the spirits of the war’s youngest victims, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently recognized his valor with a special medal of courage.
What’s this decorated war hero do in his downtime? Run, sleep, and look for his favorite snack – cheese. After all, he may be a hero, but he’s still a dog.
Source: npr.org
Nala in bed next to Jimmy Johnson photo: Julie Thornton Johnson)
Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed? Nala Naps Around
A Tennessee couple recently woke to a strange dog snuggling in their bed. “I rolled over on my side of the bed, and said, ‘No, no, no, that’s not our dog,’” Julie Johnson recalled.
The dog, later identified as Nala, had traveled almost two miles from her own home to crash the Johnson’s slumber party. The couple thinks they accidentally left their back door open, and Nala, it seems, was tired and lonely after her long jaunt and just looking for some warm humans to cozy up with.
A Facebook post soon reunited the snuggly wanderer with her own family. No more bed hopping for this friendly girl, at least for now.
Source: abc11.com
Zeus from Bedford, Texas, is confirmed as the world's tallest living dog. photo: Guinness World Records
Just Another Long Tall Texan: Zeus Named World’s Tallest Dog
The folks at Guinness World Records recently crowned a Great Dane named Zeus the world’s tallest living dog. The stately two-year-old gray and brown pup stands nearly 3-1/2 feet tall, towering over seven feet tall on his hind legs.
A friendly behemoth, Zeus lives with his family in Bedford, Texas, where he’s a celebrity visitor at nearby farmers markets. He uses a sink for a water bowl and his daily diet includes 12 – count ‘em 12 - cups of large breed dog food, plus occasional treats like ice cubes, which he loves.
But his size is no defense when it comes to weather. The big guy is afraid of rain.
Source: cbsnews.com
A new study finds that only about 9% of the variation in an individual dog's behavior can be explained by its breed. photo: Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images
To Fetch Or Not To Fetch? Breed Drives Dog Behavior Less Than You’d Think
A recent study found that a dog’s breed may play less of a role in behavior than previously thought. “We found things like German Shorthaired Pointers were slightly more likely to point, or Golden Retrievers were slightly more likely to retrieve, or Huskies were slightly more likely to howl than the general dog population,” said Kathryn Lord, a study author and researcher at the UMass Chan Medical School. But overall, breed tendencies were not as pronounced as generally believed.
After surveying owners of more than 18,000 dogs and analyzing DNA of over 2,000 animals, the study found only about 9% of the variation in an individual dog’s behavior could be explained by its breed. In short, genetics mattered, but they were more of a nudge than an absolute predictor.
Researchers also found huge variations across individual dogs of the same breed, including lazy Retrievers who would just as soon lie on the couch and have their owners do the fetching.
After all, if you wanted that ball so much, why’d you throw it over there?
Source: npr.org
What’s In a Name?
Awkward Timing for the Russian Toy
Those snooty patooties at the Westminster Dog Show are debuting two new breeds at this year’s dog show, slated for June 20-22.
First up, the Mudi, a shaggy athletic Hungarian farm dog with a penchant for herding, rat catching, dock diving, and agility. “They’re very perceptive, and they have a subtle quality,” says trainer Kim Seiter who has four Mudik (the correct plural of Mudi). And at least their home country hasn’t invaded anyone this century.
Which brings us to this year’s other new breed: the unfortunately named Russian Toy. Weighing in at no more than 6.5 pounds, these little guys are affectionate, with perky expressions and ears like fur-bearing radar dishes. They’re funny and have “quite an attitude,” according to Nona Dietrich, member of the Russian Toy Club of America.
Sadly, most of us aren’t in the mood for much more Russian attitude these days. And while none of that is the dogs’ fault, maybe a name change is in order for these little dudes.
Anyone for Freedom Furballs?
Source: npr.org