Science and Shamrocks

Earlier this week, a coworker sent me a Wall Street Journal article titled Why Pet Dogs are as Good as Kids (Maybe a Little Better). The article discusses all the obvious reasons why dogs rule, such as the unconditional love, the inability to talk back, and, the most important aspect (and why I decided to start this blog in the first place), how much smarter dogs are than we actually think.

Below is an excerpt from the article, discussing how dogs and infants are able to identify objects through gestures, even with no knowledge or expression of verbal language:

Every dog owner has helped a dog find a lost ball or stick by pointing in the right direction. It’s easy to take for granted the way dogs effortlessly interpret this simple gesture, but this ability is remarkable. Not only do dogs understand the meaning behind the point in a similar way to human infants, they are using the social information of a completely different species.

I already believe Woody is one of the smartest dogs alive and this proves how much impact behavioral modification, even at the most basic level, can help humans and dogs understand each other. In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I can tell you that one thing I understand most about Woody is how much he loves beer. By no means do I let Woody get tanked, but I definitely give him beer-flavored, non-alcoholic treats once in awhile. I'm sure he'll be waiting for the luck of the Irish to grant him a spill or two Sunday. This was a selfie of him last year trying to destroy a teddy bear.

No matter what you do or how you celebrate, make sure you have a safe St. Patrick's Day and try to include your furry friends. They're smart enough to know how much fun this day can be.