Posted on 03/19/2013 4:05:39 PM PDT by Sir Napsalot
Mal, In Various States of Concern
People can reliably read a dogs facial expressions, suggesting humans are finely tuned to detect emotions even in other creatures. Behavioral scientists have long known that people can accurately read other humans emotions, but this study suggests our empathy extends to other members of the animal kingdom.
While a Ph.D student at Walden University in Florida, Tina Bloom worked with Harris Friedman and a dog named Mal at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Mal, a 5-year-old Belgian shepherd and trained police dog, was subjected to a variety of stimuli, and the researchers took pictures of his reactions.
For instance, in one experiment the researchers praised him, trying to elicit a happy reaction; Mal looked at the camera with his ears erect and tongue lolling. Then they reprimanded him, and Mals ears flattened, he looked down and his eyes became mournful. They used a jack-in-the-box to surprise him; foul-tasting medicine to disgust him; nail trimmers to strike fear into his heart; and so on. One of the researchers even pretended to be a criminal, and Mal got angry. Then the team showed 50 volunteers photographs of these reactions, and asked them to categorize his emotions.....
(Excerpt) Read more at popsci.com ...
Contrary to this study he always gives me his, “Why are you angry with me for leaving those delicious chew toys by the back door?” face.
The bloody Irish are known for their stubborness but this is getting ridiculous, I'm screwed if there's any more snow to shovel.
waiting at the rainbow bridge
As a cat and dog lover/owner, I can say, without a doubt, that am-uh-nuls are much more perceptive than we give them credit for. Their “slavery” is based on pure, unadulterated LOVE!
Dang. Take the pup. S/he will wait for you to return. Don’t deny a dog the love you should get from it. (Him, her...who cares...)
The pup will do you proud!
XO
‘Face
Thanks for the link. I hadn’t seen that episode for a long time. I met Rod Serling a couple of years before he died (way too young, as it happened). An intense and fascinating guy who chain smoked Camels and could spin a yarn like no one I ever knew.
I miss the days when TV taught lessons and Serling was a true master.
See how that works? :o])
Is THAT yer pup? If so, she was “telling you something” about the collars. Love her for who she is. She will never abandon you!
Wonderful, and what a beautiful hound.
Thanks much, and may God bless, FRiend.
Tatt
“She wants to know if Oliver (our beagle) will be in Heaven waiting for her. I’d love to believe that. In fact, I do suspect it’s true”
The Good Lord isn’t cruel. We will see them all again only this time no one has to leave.
Oh my - that is just a baby, hasn’t even fluffed out the tail yet!
Great picture :)
Thank you Lord, for blessings without number!!
"Why yes, as a matter of fact,
My Grand Daddy was a Sieger, VA1, SchH3.
What's ~your~ pedigree?"
unsolicited advise bulletin:
My Lab had to be put down 1 month before scheduled total right hip replacement.
After a 5 day hospital stay, I was greeted at home by a fluffy 9 week old mixed breed pup...I was furious. I asked my wife just what the hell she was thinking, and she replied, “Therapy.”
Physical, and wonderful, puppy breath, warm wet tongue therapy!
Give that Lab a home, quick, before the pup gets snapped up by a lesser Master.
Cheers, and good luck on your surgery!
SgtBob
Yah. Like that. ;o]
I held my Pekingese when we took him that last time. He was always scared of the vet and the metal table. He just went to sleep, peacefully, in my arms. I thought I couldn’t do it but I did and am so glad that I got to hold him.
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