Research matches dogs with owners April 3, 2009

Source: BBCNews.com, April 3, 2009

It is possible to match a dog with its owner by looking at photographs, researchers have claimed.

The findings of the Bath Spa University study are due to be presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in Brighton later.

In the study Chris Hunter and Dr Lance Workman asked a group of 70 people who do not own dogs to relate photos of 41 dog owners to three possible breeds.

The study found the group made matches at a level significantly above chance.

Dr Lance Workman, Head of Psychology in Bath Spa University’s School of Social Sciences, said: “This suggests that certain breeds of dogs are associated with particular kinds of people.

“The non dog owners used stereotypes to match the dogs to their owners.

“These stereotypes persisted into judgments of the dog owners’ personalities: non dog owners considered the owners of each breed to share certain personality traits, such as level of conscientiousness and emotional stability.

“But when we tested the dog owners’ personalities we found no strong links between any particular personality trait and choice of dog breed. So any shared qualities are only skin deep.”

I rescued a human today. November 16, 2008

I rescued a human today, by Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Written by Janine Allen
www. RescueMeDog.org

Thank you Janine for this beautiful essay!