At last there is a way to find out how smart your dog is. Dognition is a company founded by Brian Hare, a biological anthropologist, at Duke University. At Dognition you have the ability to analyze the cognitive strengths and weaknesses of your pooch. For a small fee you have access to a series of simple experiments that assess navigation, memory and empathy.
All the data from your experiments is sent to the laboratory, and you get the fun of playing games with your dog. The web site is fascinating and full of information.
I couldn’t resist the temptation to find out how smart Watson is, so I signed up for the initial analysis. I must say that the first tests were lots of fun, and Watson seemed to enjoy the chance to interact with us. We were testing his ability to show empathy, and he was off the scale.
There are five experiments, and you spend about 20 minutes a day for five days doing them. You play science-based games that assess five core dimensions: empathy, communication, cunning, memory and reasoning. You receive a Dognition Profile Report that provides analysis and insight from the world’s top canine experts.
Featured on the website are nine profile types: Ace, Maverick, Charmer, Socialite, Protodog, Renaissance, Expert, Stargazer, and Einstein. Depending on the outcome of Watson’s tests, he should fit into one of the profile types. I’m anxious to find out what his profile is. I will be sure to let you know in the next few weeks.
If you would be interested in testing your dog or reading about the concepts behind the experiments, go to www.dognition.com. I promise it is amazing.
Volunteer focus
It is with a heavy heart I write about David Martinez who volunteered for CAPS the past 17 years. David was a joyous man who loved animals and always brought a spark of cheer and happiness to CAPS. We mourn the loss of David and his tender kindness. He will forever be in our memories. David is greatly missed by his two-legged and four-legged friends.
Who’s new at the CAPS zoo?
This week’s pet personality is P.J. who is a terrier with an adorable overbite. He’s black and tan and has his own styling look. He’s a bit of a shy guy until he gets to know you, but once you’re his buddy, you have a friend forever. Come in and meet P.J. because he’s the perfect pal to hang out with in your PJs.
We have eight darling puppies eagerly looking for their happy-ever-after home. CAPS’ policy prohibits them from adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.
CAPS news and events:
CAPS will be at Walmart on March 14 with our Kissin’ Booth and darling Ki. St. Patrick’s Day is coming, and kissing Ki will give you the luck of the Irish. Come by and get a kiss from Ki.
CAPS also has new designs of hoodies, shirts and other items for you or your honey.
Flower Tree Nursery is raffling a 15-gallon Prairie-Fire crab apple tree. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. Be sure to get your tickets soon. The drawing date will be announced later, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.
Be sure to mark Saturday, May 9, on your calendars for our annual Bark in the Park 5K walk/run. Bark in the Park will be held at the fairgrounds. Watch this article for further information.
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89406. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnv.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.
Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.
Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.