Balto vs. Togo, No Rap for Rover, International Dog Diplomacy, and More!

Balto and his guardian, Gunnar Kasson, circa 1925. photo: Cleveland Public Library/Photograph Collection

Working Dog Genes: Balto vs. Togo

A sled dog named Balto gained fame in 1925, leading a 13-dog team on the last leg of a grueling relay to bring life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria outbreak. Later memorialized with a bronze statue in Central Park and an animated feature film, Balto still stands in taxidermy form at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Never mind that it was actually a different dog, Togo, who led the team across the most dangerous leg of the journey, running 261 miles – at the age of 12! - compared to Balto’s 55-mile trek.

Balto didn’t will his body to science, but 90 years after his death, scientists are making use of it anyway. Researchers recently took a sample from his taxidermized underbelly and were able to sequence the famous pup’s genome to learn more about how 1920s sled dogs compare to modern canines.

Turns out today’s working Alaskan sled dogs are quite different from Balto, who belonged to a small, fast breed imported from Siberia that was more diverse and genetically healthier than its modern counterparts. “It’s an exciting moment,” said one researcher. “I feel like an explorer, and once again Balto is leading the way.”

Well, okay, but only because you tested Balto first. Meanwhile, Togo – who was also stuffed and mounted after his death at the age of 16 – remains on display at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska, waiting for a scientific close-up of his own.

Doesn’t this unsung hero deserve some genome sequencing, too? 

Sources: popsci.com, nps.gov 

It’s unlikely your dog could take the heat for a moving violation, but who knows. photo: AdobeStock

Rover Takes the Rap – Not! Drunk Driver Fails to Convince Cops Dog Was at the Wheel

Who needs a breathalyzer to know this human was blotto?

A 28-year-old driver in Springfield, Colorado, was pulled over on suspicion of DUI after going 52 mph in a 30 mph zone and then tried to switch places with his sober front seat passenger.  Only problem was the passenger in question had four paws and a tail – and the arresting officer witnessed the whole thing as he approached the vehicle.

After failing to convince the officer the dog was driving, the suspect took off on foot but was apprehended about 20 yards away and later booked on a number of charges, including driving under the influence, speeding, and resisting arrest.

It should have been more, but apparently there’s no law in Colorado against trying to frame your own dog.

Source: 9news.com 

International Dog Diplomacy: Mexico Welcomes Arkadas

The government of Turkey has gifted a three-month-old German Shepherd puppy to Mexico in honor of a Mexican search dog named Proteo who died while working in the aftermath of February’s massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Arkadas, whose name means “friend” in Turkish, was welcomed with a formal ceremony in Mexico City, where he excitedly barked along with his new national anthem. Mexico had already held a military funeral for the fallen Proteo, also a German Shepherd, earlier this year.

“I promise to do my best to be a great search and rescue dog,” Arkadas tweeted, borrowing the thumbs of an unknown human at Mexico’s defense ministry.

At least this good boy won’t have to learn a new language in his adopted home. Dog speak is universal.

Source: cnn.com

Dogs with higher dementia scores took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping, according to research.  photo: Liz Seymour/Alamy

Tossing and Turning: Canine Dementia and Disturbed Sleep

Is your senior dog snoozing less these days? A recent North Carolina State University study found that older dogs with dementia appear to spend fewer hours sleeping than those with healthy brains, similar to patterns found in human patients. “Humans with dementia often have disturbed sleep patterns,” noted one expert. “And this research suggests we’re not alone.”

While scientists have yet to find a cure for dementia – human or canine – the research team hopes their continued study of dogs will ultimately help identify ways to treat the underlying disease, which could, in turn, lead to successful treatments for humans.

Until then, we’re keeping our fingers and paws crossed for healthy brains for all.

Source: theguardian.com

Bobi, a Portuguese dog that had been declared the world's oldest dog by Guinness World Records, sits at his home in the village of Conqueiros, Leiria. photo: Getty Images

Happy Birthday, Bobi! World’s Oldest Dog Turns 31

 Last month on May 11, the world’s oldest living dog celebrated his 31st birthday with over a hundred well wishers from around the world. A purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, Bobi generously shared a feast of local meats and fish with his guests, though the birthday boy reportedly scored extra helpings.

Originally bred to protect livestock, Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs typically live 12 to 14 years, a lifespan Bobi has already more than doubled.  His owner credits the pup’s remarkable longevity to a diet consisting solely of unseasoned human food and a peaceful life in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros.

Whatever Bobi’s secret, it’s obviously working. Feliz Aniversário, venerable friend!

Source: cbsnews.com