Dogs at Work: Shining a Light on Invasive Lanternflies
There’s no satisfying the appetites of spotted lanternflies. Since appearing in Pennsylvania in 2014, these pests, indigenous to China, have been feeding on valuable grape vines, fruit trees and hardwoods, leaving behind a wake of destruction. Specially trained scent-detection dogs may be the last line of defense in stopping the spread. Lanternflies suck sap from …
Dogs at Work: Mall Security Dogs
If your idea of shopping center security is the bumbling, Segway-riding Paul Blart of the movie Mall Cop, think again. Many malls now have sophisticated, integrated security plans, which may include trained dogs and handlers. Depending on the needs of the mall, security dogs may simply provide surveillance and crowd control, so shoppers and retailers …
Black Cats: Gods, Charms and Superstitions
Black cats are plagued with superstitions. But where did they get such reputations, both good and bad? The answers span great lengths of time and place. Rightly or wrongly, black cats are plagued with superstitions. Harbingers of bad luck In the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church declared that cats were friends of the devil. …
The One Candidate Everyone Can Agree On: A Dog
With the presidential race now running full throttle, it’s understandable that you may pine for a kinder, gentler political campaign. One in which there’s no mudslinging, no partisan squabbling and no overblown claims requiring fact-checking. That’s why we’re happy to share this special edition of Dogs at Work featuring pet politicians who have held political …
Dogs at Work: The Harrowing Job of Being a Celebrity Pet
There are those pets who undergo months or even years of training to work as service animals for people. And there are others who are destined for a life of comfort and privilege — between bouts with the paparazzi — as the pets of famous celebrities. Here are just a few examples of the pets …
Dogs at Work: Virus Detection Dogs
In the United States, one of the biggest problems with COVID-19 has been the dearth of diagnostic kits and the ability to identify asymptomatic carriers. While scientists are scrambling to develop vaccines and testing kits, researchers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom are exploring another innovative option: virus detection dogs. The hope is that high-powered …
Dogs at Work: Literal Edition for Take Your Dog to Work Day
The office isn’t what it used to be. Thanks to technology and current events, workplaces are sprouting up inside homes, coffee shops, at cabins, and just about anywhere a Wi-Fi signal can be found. But whether you work in a traditional office environment or you meet coworkers virtually every day, one thing hasn’t changed: your …
Dogs at Work: Ratter Dogs Win the Rat Race
At the American Kennel Club Earthdog competition, terriers and other small breeds race through tunnels in search of rats. No rats are harmed, the AKC is quick to point out, because the rats are in cages, safe from canine jaws. Dogs win by simply finding the rat and barking within an allotted time. The whole …
Dogs at Work: Standard Poodles Were Born to Be Bird Dogs
Not all standard poodles are froufrou, overly coiffed dogs adorned with diamond-studded collars and red-painted toenails. Some of them actually like to get dirty. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Standard poodles were originally bred as bird dogs and can now be found leaping from duck blinds, flushing waterfowl and retrieving the birds with a soft mouth. …
Dogs at Work: Keeping Airport Runways Safe
It was a flock of Canadian geese that led to the infamous landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River off Manhattan. The mid-air bird strike caused the plane to lose power in both engines, requiring Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger to deftly maneuver the aircraft into a safe water landing. That’s why it …