Thoughts from the Wild

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Avalanche Rescue Dogs: The Search for Survivors

January 11, 2018

Imagine being swept into a thundering, fast-moving avalanche. You’re catapulted downhill in a rumble of snow, then buried in darkness. The snowpack surrounds you like concrete, so you can’t free your arms to dig out. You’re not even sure which way is up. Your only choice now is to stay calm and hope someone finds …

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Sled Dogs: Answering the Call of the Wintry Wild

December 14, 2017

For sled dogs, few things spark more yips and leaps of enthusiasm than the sight of their sleds. The sight of those harnesses and runners means they’re about to go bounding through the drifts, setting snow swirling with their churning paws. While sled dogs today mostly compete in races like the Iditarod or provide tourists …

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What Happens to Military Dogs When They Retire?

November 16, 2017

For decades, dogs have served side-by-side in combat with U.S. soldiers. They detect explosives and weapons and even root out enemy forces. In fact, one canine hero even participated in the raid of Osama bin Laden’s home in Pakistan. Military dogs assist on patrols, leap out of helicopters with Navy SEALs and save countless lives. …

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Herding Dogs: From Home on the Range to Home

October 12, 2017

It’s a scene branded on your mind by movies (cue the harmonica) for generations: The mounted cowhands crack their whips, the lowing cows kick up dust as the trusted herding dogs nip at their heels in the sunset. Long an essential part of cattle drives and farm work, today herding dogs are more likely to …

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Firehouse Dogs: More Mascot, Less Workhorse

August 24, 2017

Few things are more closely associated with the roar of a fire engine, the clang of bells and the wail of a siren than the Dalmatian. While he or she once was considered an integral part of the fire crew, today the Dalmatian is a rare sight at firehouses and is more likely to fulfill …

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Seeing Eye Dogs Provide Services You Can’t Always See

May 18, 2017

Guide dogs do an important job in helping blind or low-vision people gain independence, confidence and greater mobility. In addition to guiding people safely through traffic and crowds, dogs may also be trained to find certain nearby objects such as a doors, elevators or mailboxes. The term “seeing-eye dog” is somewhat of a misnomer. The …

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