In this summer issue we welcome back Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist John Woestendiek, unravelling the latest news from the strange world of dog cloning. Such a bizarre pursuit; it’s a mystery to me that people spend so much money trying to re-create their dog, especially since the cloned version is never truly the same. Rebecca Wallick introduces us to the Guide Dogs for the Blind’s puppy-raising program, which includes an option that allows volunteers to share the responsibilities, making it possible for more people to do this invaluable work. Don’t miss Karen London’s wonderful take on the connections we have with our dogs, and how deeply they can be felt by both of us. Also, check out the lead article in DogPatch: evidence that this connection is genetically driven. Nearby is a piece I wrote after stumbling upon a truly fascinating study that involved analyzing what Bronze Age people and their dogs ate—imagine identifying the elements of meals consumed several thousand years ago! The results reveal how close dogs’ diets were to their people’s, and the findings may surprise you, especially if you follow the paleo model.
We also have a postcard from Costa Rica about the (semi)wild dogs of Pavones, tips on making your dog seaworthy, and what to know when hiking with your dog during snake season. A profile of Megan Parker, co-founder of Working Dogs for Conservation, reveals her dedication to both dogs and science, as well as the impact these canine detectives have on the vital work of protecting other species.
On the artful side, there’s a glimpse of a new exhibition that focuses on 16 centuries of animals in Japanese Art, now on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and later, traveling to LA—this is a must see. And noted interior designer Sheila Bridges tells us about her fascination with dogs, both at home and in her work.
Finally, some summer-specific advice. Because pups overheat quickly, limit your more strenuous activities to early morning or evenings, and in between, invite the dogs to curl up in the shade with you as you read the latest from The Bark.
FEATURES
How Deep Is Our Love?
The connection between people and dogs is the stuff of legend.
By Karen B. London, PhD
Weird Science
Cloning a beloved dog is possible … but is it a good idea?
By John Woestendiek
Raising a Guide Dog for the Blind
Volunteers provide puppies with the foundation they need to serve.
By Rebecca Wallick
Bronze Age Dogs’ Diets
Low protein, high carb, just like their humans.
By Claudia Kawczynska
Call of the Wild
Profile of Megan Parker, co-founder of Working Dogs for Conservation.
By Louise Johns
The Dog Room
Sheila Bridges honors dogs in special design project.
By Cameron Woo
ESSAYS
Nemo in the Arctic
Artist depends on dog to have her back.
By Lisa Goren
Gone Walkabout
Hiking reconnects city dogs with their essential nature.
By Michael Brandow
Art Exhibits
Japan’s Artful Dogs
Guardians, companions, zodiac animal—canines are a constant in Japanese culture.
By Susan Tasaki
TOPICS
SERVICE DOGS: 12 Misconceptions about service dogs and those who use them.
By Kaelynn Partlow
DIY: Dog collage indulge your inner artist with this engaging project.
By Kimberly Santini
IN THEIR VOICES: A Misunderstanding
By Kate Brackett
STAYS: Idaho & New York & North Carolina; Ketchum; Catskill’s Tiny Houses; and Asheville, Bark’s Best Stay
SAFETY: Snake! Encounters with venomous snakes can end badly—here’s what to keep in mind.
By Sandra Roth
OUTDOORS: Taking the Plunge! A sailing liveaboard life, complete with dogs.
By Jules Fredrick
POSTCARD: From Costa Rica—The (almost) wild dogs of Pavones.
By Sarah Kilgallon
BOOK REVIEWS: The Animal’s Companion; Gone Walkabout
ENDPIECE: Buster
By Tom Brenner
DOGPATCH
Guest Editorial: A Center of Hope By Victoria Sanderson
Is loving dogs genetic?
MUTTS by Patrick McDonnell
Foxtails begone with OutFox; Beards vs. Fur; Doob’s 3D mini-mes
Drop-in pet clinics come to Walmart
Editor’s Picks: Made in the USA
Colorado Hemp Honey; Kate Brennan Hall’s Tea Towels; Antler Biscuits & Powders; UnderdogWonderdog Signs
Smiling Dogs: Summer’s delightful winners
CBD Research Update