What you may not know about dogs

6 years ago

Many of you know me; you know that I am the crazy dog lady. When I see a dog, I have to talk to it, wave to it, pet it or even kiss it.  I am the one who sees a dog in a parked car and goes over to the window and waves and says hello, or “Oh, you cute puppy, you.” Sometimes the dog just looks at me, or starts barking or maybe charging the window.  

I can’t help myself. Some do this when they see a baby; with me it’s dogs.  The dog is probably thinking, “Who is this weird squeaky-voiced human? You’re scaring me.”

I have always had a love for animals, especially dogs.  Dog are so unique. They are smart, they understand you, and they are so giving in their love and affection. And that is all they want in return — to be loved, to be warm, have a nice bed to sleep in and a full belly.  

Listed below are some interesting facts on dogs that I found on MSPCA-Angell Kindness and Care for Animals.

There are more than 150 dog breeds, divided into eight classes: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding and miscellaneous. Dogs can vary in size from a 36-inch, 150-pound specimen to a 2-pound chihuahua.

Puppies and kittens can be adopted as early as 8 weeks of age. Until then, they should stay with their moms and littermates.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating.  They sweat through the pads of their feet.

Dogs may not have as many taste buds as we do. They have about 1,700 on their tongues, while we humans have about 9,000, but that doesn’t mean they’re not discriminating eaters.  They have over 200 million scent receptors in their noses, while we have only 5 million, so it is important that their food smells good and tastes good.

An adult dog has 42 teeth.

It was recently discovered that dogs do see in color, just not as vividly as we see.

When a puppy is born, he is blind, deaf and toothless.

All dogs, regardless of breed, are direct descendants of wolves and technically of the same species.

If a dog isn’t spayed or neutered, a female dog, her mate and their offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in six years.

These are just some of the interesting facts from this website; especially the last one on spaying and neutering your pets. Overpopulation in cats and dogs can get out of hand.  Be responsible pet owners and have your dog or cat spayed or neutered.

Please take time to check out the Central Aroostook Humane Society to find that perfect furbaby to add to your family.  If you are not looking for a new member of the family and would just like to come in and volunteer your time, we welcome you to do that.  Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for lunch from 12 to 12:30. We are located at 24 Cross Street Presque Isle Maine.

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer.  It sings because it has a song” – Chinese proverb.

Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.