Podcasts about dogwatch

Today On the Dogwatch it is a tremendous pleasure to be able to talk with John Branson, who was a longtime friend of Richard “Dick” Proenneke, and the one who edited and published his journals over five volumes. John lives in Alaska just a five-minute walk from the Lake Clark visitor center for the National Park Service. The region is known for its incredible natural beauty, and as the home of Dick Proenneke, a man who moved to Alaska and eventually decided to build a cabin by hand and live by himself in the wilderness there. In our conversation, we talk about how John met Proenneke, who Proenneke was as a person, and how he became known. We also hear stories of what it was like to be on the trail with Proenneke, his self discipline and dedication to his journals, and what we might learn from him.A passage from Proenneke's journal can help frame the scene. On July 10, 1978, Proenneke wrote:“We left our gear on his beach and went scouting for raft logs close to where we hoped to cross. Luck was with us, a good blow down tree and a few dead ones still standing. I would chop out some raft logs while John got supper. The blow down still some what green and heavy. I doubted it would carry much load. I dropped a good solid dead one to go with it. By the time he called “soups on” I had the logs ready for the beach. A good meal…”From: Branson, John, More Readings from One Man's Wilderness: The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke 1974-1980. US Dept. of Interior.

When Lieutenant Commander Ike boards the USS Wasp, the lead amphibious assault ship in the U.S. Navy, people notice. He's truly unlike any other sailor but immediately commands respect. And we wouldn't suggest directing any kind of slight at Ike, especially around the Wasp's crew, which when full is over 3000 people. It's true, LCDR Ike walks on four feet, chases a ball, and sometimes gets into mischief. He even pees on the deck, which is his unique right on board. But LCDR Ike provides his own significant service to the ship, which is obvious when he's with the crew and is now even backed by rigorous studies.Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with Brooke Corson, a former drill sergeant and combat specialist in the U.S. Army who founded Mutts With A Mission. A dog trainer since she was young, Brooke founded Mutts With A Mission to train and provide service dogs to support military veterans, police and first responders, and now also Expeditionary Facility Dogs on Navy ships.In our conversation, we learn about Brooke's unique background and training, the founding and “Mission” behind the organization, and learn what goes into training a true service dog. We of course also spend time on Brooke's work in developing the Expeditionary Facility Dog program, and get to know LCDR Ike and what his life and service are like.This is not one to miss, so let's get on board with Mutts with a Mission.

Today's poem isn't what you think, until you do some thinking–then its exactly what you thought.R. S. Gwynn (born 1948) is the author of six collections of poetry, including Dogwatch (2014) and the University of Missouri Breakthrough Award winner The Drive-In (1986).-bio via Library of Congress Get full access to The Daily Poem Podcast at dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, thank you for joining us today On the Dogwatch, where we consider the natural world and the things that help us experience it. On this podcast, it is like we are on a ship's watch together, staring out at the ocean, thinking about the world as it goes by, and going wherever curiosity takes us. I am Michael Canfield, it is currently 1952 at the end of the Second Dog Watch, and this is Episode 63.Is The Old Man and the Sea a great adventure book? Why is it so revered? Does it belong in the Dogwatch Library?Today we have the great fortune to talk with Mark Cirino to help us answer these questions. Mark is the host of One True Podcast, along with Michael VonCanon, which is a show that considers Hemingway's great sentences and his work in general. Mark is a Professor of English, a prolific Hemingway scholar, and his most recent book is One True Sentence: Writers & Readers on Hemingway's Art.In our conversation, we discuss The Old Man and the Sea and how that story fits into a canon of adventure, and whether it belongs in the “Dogwatch Library,” our own list of great books for and about adventure that is modeled after Theodore Roosevelt's “Pigskin Library.” As we consider Santiago's journey, we head all over the map, and touch on the “hero's journey,” Ishmael and Moby Dick, The Red Badge of Courage, how adventure narratives are both external and internal, the idea that ‘the farther we go out the farther we go in' in adventure narratives, and how Hemingway's book can help us think about success and failure. At the end of our conversation we both choose our own “One True Sentences” from Hemingway's work. Mark recommends further reading ideas from Hemingway including the short story “Big Two-Hearted River,” which he calls ‘Hemingway's masterpiece,' and the book Green Hills of Africa.If you are not a listener already, you make sure you check out One True Podcast and Mark and Michael's book, One True Sentence: Writers & Readers on Hemingway's Art. They provide a readily accessible masterclass in Hemingway and how to access his work. They are the English professors you never had.

Hello, thank you for joining us today On the Dogwatch, where we consider the natural world and the things that help us experience it. I am Michael Canfield, it is currently 10:37 on the Forenoon Watch, and this is Episode 61.We are back from a break on the podcast and have prepared some exciting new directions and a lineup of guests and topics that we think you will enjoy. Since we gathered last, the podcast has new theme music, and the Dogwatch has a new website. On the website, which is at www.thedogwatchcompany.com,  you can check out our custom bandanas made by podcast guest One Feather Press, sundials from our guest Matt Kala, notebooks from our friends at Rite in the Rain, Damascus steel knives from the Japanese maker Mcusta, as well as the compact and stylish pens and pencils from the Japanese company OHTO. Not to overlook our canine companions, we also offer a full line of our own dog scarfs made right here in the Twin Cities. Check out the website, and we'd love to hear from you!Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with John Hartenburg of Knot and Rope Supply. In our conversation, we learn about Knot and Rope Supply, the differences between types of ropes, and the ways that ropes are used. We also consider splicing, knots, and even John's work in creating solutions for ejector seats and NASA.

In this episode we discuss the importance of hard work and capitalism. Bill welcomes special guest Jack Earl of Dogwatch to talk about running a business and the key to success.

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I share how heroic sled dogs and their mushers achieved the impossible in  1925 to deliver a life saving serum to the children of Nome, Alaska.  I'll recount their harrowing journey along the Iditerod Trail in subfreezing whiteout conditions and explore why one dog, Balto, seemed to get all the credit while the real hero of Nome, Togo, was almost forgotten by history. www.historyfixpodcast.comSources: Smithsonian National Postal Museum "The Great Nome Gold Rush"Encyclopedia Britannica "Nome, Alaska"Pan American Health Organization "Purple Death: The Great Flu of 1918"CBC "A century ago there was a race against time to fight a deadly outbreak" CDC "Diphtheria"National Library of Medicine "How did they make diphtheria antitoxin?"alaskaweb.org "The 1925 Serum Run to Nome"Dog Tails by DogWatch "Four-Legged Hero: The Amazing True Story of Balto the Sled Dog"PBS "Balto"Sports Illustrated "And You Thought We Have Vaccine Issues?"History vs. Hollywood "Togo"Wikipedia "Nome, Alaska"Wikipedia "1901 diphtheria antitoxin contamination incident"Support the show! Buy Me a CoffeeVenmo @Shea-LaFountaine

Managing canine diabetes Giving your dog a long, happy life Symptoms of diabetes  Excessive thirst (drinking water)  Increased urination Weight loss (even if eating well)  Decreased appetite  Cloudy eyes  Chronic or frequent infections, including skin and urinary infections  Learning your dog has diabetes can feel like a punch to your gut. Up to 1% of all dogs may develop diabetes during their lifetime. While this is a serious diagnosis, treatment options and management strategies can give your dog a long, quality life.  Diabetes mellitus revolves around a lack of insulin or a lack of the body's response to insulin. Insulin therapy is a mainstay of treatment. Understanding your dog's prognosis As with so many canine health problems, early diagnosis is key to your dog living a full life. Caught early, with treatment started right away and careful monitoring, many dogs with diabetes live full, active lives. The battle will be more difficult with dogs who have these issues:  Phosphate levels Dogs who have high levels of phosphate in their blood at the time of diagnosis tend to have a slightly less positive prognosis. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it emphasizes the need for a complete blood chemistry panel at the time of diagnosis.   Medical history Dogs who are more than 10-years-old, overweight, have a history of pancreatitis or are battling hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) are more likely to have problems.  Dogs with hypothyroidism have a slightly higher risk of becoming diabetic, and any dog who has required treatment with glucocorticoids for long periods of time is also at risk.   Breeding A study from the United Kingdom suggested that Border Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and Cocker Spaniels had lower survival times than Border Collies.  Tibetan Terriers, Cairn Terriers and Samoyeds are also considered high-risk breeds for diabetes.   Females  While female dogs have a higher risk of developing diabetes, if they are spayed, they can be managed quite well.  Starting therapy After your dog has been definitively diagnosed with diabetes, treatment with insulin will be the starting point. Dogs who are ill may need to be hospitalized and started with rapid-acting insulin injections. Most dogs will be feeling relatively well and can start treatment at home under veterinary guidance.  Customizing treatment for diabetics is essential. Individual dogs may respond to one type of insulin but not another. Some dogs become resistant to a certain type after time and need to change. Dosages can vary greatly among dogs, as can the timing of dosages. Typically, dogs will start off on insulin injections twice a day, around their feeding times. But be prepared for the experimentation necessary to find the ideal protocol for an individual dog.  Veterinary staff will explain how to handle and store insulin, and how to correctly use the syringes. Different strengths and types of insulin come in different units, and you need to carefully match the syringes you use with the insulin type. Insulin is sensitive and must be stored carefully, not too cold or too hot. Even shaking it too vigorously can harm this medication. Some insulins need to be rolled rather than shaken. Never use insulin past its expiration date.  Finally, you will learn how to give the injections. Some clinics have you practice on something like fruit until you are comfortable with doing the injections properly. Injections are given subcutaneously, reaching the fat between the surface skin and muscle below. The needles are a small diameter and very sharp, so most dogs handle the injections well. Needles and syringes need to be disposed of properly. You will need a sharps container and to learn how to dispose of the needles in your town.  Types of insulin There are many versions of insulin available for treating diabetic dogs, and your veterinarian will guide you to the best choice for your individual dog.  FDA-approved for use in dogs:  Porcine lente (Vetsulin)  Zinc insulin (ProZinc)  Used off-label with good results:  Detemir (Levemir)  Glargine (Lantus)  Isophane insulin, known as NPH (Novolin-N, Humulin-N)  All insulin drugs should only be used under the guidance of your veterinarian, with regular check-ups. Insulin costs will vary among products.  Insulin-glucose response curve Once you have the basics down, you will help fine-tune your dog's treatment. Trial and error is used to determine the best insulin, the ideal dose, timing and how to coordinate feedings with the dosing schedule. For the first week or two, while your dog's body adjusts to the insulin and you get your routine down, your veterinarian may have you monitor your dog via urine glucose strips. These give you a rough idea as to whether your dog is handling the insulin without getting their glucose levels too low. The ideal method for determining all these factors is to create a glucose response curve. Glucose is one of the main factors influenced by insulin. Tracking results of glucose in the blood is an easy way to know if your insulin dose is correct. Urine glucose monitoring can also help but is not as precise.  To create a glucose curve, blood glucose levels are checked about every two hours over a 12-hour period, if possible. That many blood tests can be expensive, but it is worth it to get your dog on the right track. Using the glucose curve, your veterinarian will see when the insulin starts to act, how long a single dose provides treatment, when the insulin is at its highest level of activity and when it fades out. While running the glucose curve, your dog's feeding (timing and portions) are carefully controlled. Based on the highs and lows of the curve, adjustments may be made in dose, timing of meals and amount fed.  Normal blood glucose levels in healthy dogs are 80-120 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl). Most dogs can handle levels going as high as 250 with minimal side effects. Post mealtimes, some dogs may normally go up to 400 but that is a temporary effect. Once blood glucose levels go over 200, glucose will be detectable in the urine.  Factors influencing insulin dosing Because glucose is a basic nutrient, many factors can affect a dog's requirements. Obese dogs need to lose weight, so that should be factored in. If your dog has a successful weight-loss program, insulin amounts will decrease. Activity levels also require different amounts of insulin. A dog who is running agility trials will end up with a different dose than a dog who strolls sedately around the block once or twice a day. Female dogs who go into heat will often have different insulin needs than a spayed dog ( — it is generally recommended to spay an intact diabetic female to even out insulin requirements). If your dog is sick or becomes hypothyroid (low thyroid hormone production), their insulin needs will change. If your dog skips their morning meal and doesn't eat, you need to contact your veterinarian to discuss adjustments in the insulin dose. Insulin needs the “raw material” of the food to be effective.  Monitoring your diabetic dog  If your dog is not showing any clinical signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar or glucose levels), such as drinking more than usual, being extra hungry or urinating excessively, then your dosing should be in the right ballpark. Even so, periodic blood testing is recommended.  Having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar or glucose levels) is more serious. If your dog is very lethargic, sleeping more than usual and resisting activity, then they may have hypoglycemia. Some of these dogs will have tremors, difficulty walking and can collapse into a coma.  The brain is very dependent on glucose for its nutrition, so any changes in mental state could mean hypoglycemia. If you suspect this, you can put corn syrup or honey on your dog's gums. If they are alert, a meal of cooked pasta with some syrup or honey can help to quickly raise their blood sugar. The response should be fairly rapid. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has high or low glucose levels. Fairly new on the scene are continuous or flash glucose-monitoring systems. These high-tech systems use an electrode inserted in the subcutaneous tissues of your dog. They give off a small current determined by the amount of glucose in the interstitial tissues. That charge is then converted to a glucose amount and displayed on a monitor.  Two systems have been used successfully in veterinary medicine: the MiniMed iPro2, a continuous monitoring system, and the Abbott Freestyle Libre, which is a flash system. These systems can provide a picture of your dog's daily blood glucose levels while they are at home and doing normal activities.  Best management practices The goal with your diabetic dog is to mimic a healthy dog's glucose status. You want a normal rhythm with no clinical signs of too high or too low. That means a steady routine, ideally feeding your dog the same diet, at the same time every day. Plan your dog's activity for each day. If you have an unusually active day planned, ask your veterinarian ahead of time about any recommended adjustments in insulin or food. A steady state minimizes long-term damage from diabetes to organ systems like the heart, liver and kidneys. Even dogs who are well-managed may eventually develop cataracts, but it takes longer in dogs who have relatively well-controlled glucose levels.  Once your dog is on a set schedule, costs and complications are minimal.  Side effect cataracts Cataracts are a common side effect of canine diabetes. These cataracts tend to mature quickly and may be associated with inflammation. A veterinary ophthalmologist can evaluate your dog's eyes to determine if cataract removal would improve vision.  If the ophthalmologist recommends removal, a well-regulated diabetic dog can have general anesthesia and surgery to remove the damaged lens. An artificial lens may be put in place at that time. If your dog is not a surgical candidate, don't despair. Blind dogs usually adjust well to their loss of vision.  Prognosis With careful monitoring, many dogs with diabetes live full, active lives. It is important for owners of diabetic dogs to keep a notebook charting daily dosage, diet, and activity. Doing so can alert you to any developing problems.  This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group.

What happens when you both love to travel and want to take some of the comforts of home along with you on your adventures? You guess it, you turn to campaign furniture and its descendents. Today On the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to talk with Christopher Schwarz, the person who literally wrote the book on campaign furniture. Chris is a longstanding fixture in American woodworking, and even if you don't know his name you may have seen him before given his appearances on PBS's The Woodwright's Shop. Along with being a practicing furniture maker and woodworker, Chris has spent a significant part of his career as a writer. He has served as editor of Popular Woodworking Magazine, written numerous other books, and now fosters Lost Art Press.In our conversation, we discuss the history of campaign furniture, the challenges of designing for the outdoors, and specific applications such as book cases, chairs, secretaries, and even secret compartments. In the end, we get a primer on how furniture relates to travel and adventure.

A bandana is a useful item. It can serve as a napkin, rag, bandage, drain plug, motorcycle repair tool, headwear, blindfold, flag, mask, pouch, or a stylish scarf. But not all bandanas are created equal. Many to most are stiff, paisley-printed and inked with plastisol to create a cheap and ultimately unsatisfying object. Today On the Dogwatch we hear about the other end of the bandana spectrum in a conversation with Thomas Petillo at One Feather Press in Nashville.In our conversation, Thomas describes how One Feather came to be, how he goes about sourcing selvedge fabric, and then discharge printing the bandanas. There is a shed behind his house where the process happens, a kind of Willy Wonka-like magic. There is squirting ink, a giant sandwich press, a long conveyor belt, and a precipitous drop for the bandanas into a cardboard box, all elements that stir the creative imagination. In the end, Thomas helps us learn how he creates high-quality, 100% cotton, selvedge bandanas and what can be learned from the process. As a bonus, we also discuss his work on the new and forthcoming Dogwatch Company bandanas. Stay tuned for those coming soon on a remodeled website.

Today On the Dogwatch we have the rare opportunity to talk with Nathan Hall, head of the Canine Olfaction Lab at Texas Tech. Nathan is not only a dog owner, but is also someone who studies dog behavior, has a vast knowledge of the canine literature, and does research on their behavior and olfactory abilities in the lab.In our conversation, we discuss how a dog's nose is structured and how it works, the myths and misperceptions about how a dog's nose functions and compares to the human nose, and the ways that we as humans train dogs to use their noses to detect substances such as explosives. We also consider the ways in which dogs can detect and mitigate human stress, and also the biases that we have on which dogs have the best noses–attention pug owners! Ultimately, we get perspective from a leader in canine research who helps us think about the noses of our dogs and their behavior.

Today On the Dogwatch we cross the Atlantic and head to the Highlands of Scotland in search of the nature of tartan, one of the most long standing and iconic outdoor patterns. Along the way, we meet Miles Kerr-Peterson, a PhD historian who has not only a vast knowledge of British history, clans, castles, but also tartan.We start our conversation with Miles by learning about his research into a buried castle under the driveway at the Keith Marsal estate in Scotland, and broaden this conversation to understand some of the history of Scotland and clans. From there, Miles helps us understand how tartan developed as a fabric, and how the patterns have changed over time. Thankfully, Miles not only understands the history of these fabrics, but works the the St. Kilda company, which has an online tartan designer, and he walks us through how tartans are designed and even helps us how we can design, register, and produce our own tartan fabric. What could be better than a conversation that touches on the Jacobite rebellion, Dunnottar Castle, the Outlander TV series, the movie Hot Fuzz, whiskey from the island of Islay, as well as consideration of plenty of Gordons, MacQueens, MacPhersons, Campbells, Camerons, and Craigs? 

In his professional context, you might find Tom Place smashing through the windshield of a bus, getting hit by a car, or in all manner of fist-fights, gun-fights, and falls from the tops of myriad buildings. One would think that somewhere in those activities we could pull on a thread of true crime. However, we have had to look very hard to explore any sinister links. The closest we can get today, talking with Tom On the Dogwatch, is understanding his love of watches and his search for a Rolex watch he lost decades ago in upstate New York to the bottom of a lake. After Tom lost the watch during a bout of somewhat ill-advised, but not uncharacteristic, hijinks on a boat, he has spent many days and hours under the surface of the lake, methodically searching the muck for his lost timepiece. In our conversation, we discuss Tom's life as a stuntman, his love of watches, and then how he lost the watch and has gone about searching for it. While it is unlikely that the watch has been stolen from the bottom of the lake, whether by an unwitting fish, an unlikely fisherman, or an uncommonly well-informed scuba diver, we don't entirely rule out any possibilities. In the end, we are left with a dramatic story of the search for a lost love.

We've all heard people talking to dogs like they are small children. Some people find it cute, others consider it absurd, and there are also those who understand it implicitly. So what do we know about how humans talk to dogs? Today On the Dogwatch we are joined by Bob Mitchell, head of the Animal Studies Program at Eastern Kentucky, who has researched just these kinds of questions. In our conversation, we consider where this kind of “baby talk” has been observed in humans and dogs, what we know about why people do it, and whether there is any evidence that it is more effective than other forms of communication with our dogs. In the end, we get a good sense of what we know–and even more what we don't–about how we talk to our dogs.

What better way to celebrate the 50th episode of the On the Dogwatch podcast than to have a conversation with someone who has provided steadfast support and positive energy, and has become the de facto patron saint of the podcast, James Cox. Many listeners will remember when James joined us for Episode #28 and told the story of his relationship with Paul Newman, and how he was given Newman's Rolex Daytona watch. In our conversation today we pick up where we left off and talk about how funds from the sale of the Paul Newman have been used in projects such as the preservation of the Westfjords of Iceland, the ecology of salmon in the Pacific northwest, and the Kiss the Ground movie project. Listeners are encouraged to learn more at the Nell Newman Foundation, and at Myfriendjames.com. In addition, James and I also discuss the year I have spent with James's black dial Daytona, and what can be learned when people connect through the sharing of a simple object like a watch. In the end, James gives us plenty to think about regarding how we dedicate ourselves to making contributions and positive change.

Today On the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to learn about the Kala Pocket Sundial, and to get to know its purveyor, Matt Kala. We go the distance on this episode, and along with learning a bit about Graz and the beauties of Austria, hear the story of how the pocket sundial was inspired by a farmer's ring and equinoctial device, and how Matt's family has developed this device into an accessible tool and ideal gift. We spend time discussing how to use the pocket sundial, as well as timekeeping, watches, and health and wellbeing. We even learn about the most recent addition to the lineup, the Kala Nocturnal, a device that helps you tell the real time at night.

What happens when a couple of Swiss guys take over a mostly dormant watch brand, and reinvigorate, reinvest, and then engineer it back into one of the leading independent brands? One outcome is that when you see these watches you immediately know that they are high-quality and intriguing, but you have to learn more and look hard to understand why. And as you spend more time with them, like I did with three of them on my wrist for several weeks, the more you realize is there. As a naturalist, I couldn't help to see the parallels to ants. If you have not studied ants yourself, these small social insects are amazing to observe and comprehend–whether they are carrying three sisters in their mandibles across the pavement with relative ease, or driving through the forest in a column that will eat a large mammal–a literal lifetime of fascination exists in each little organism. There is similar depth in the story of these watches and their design.In our conversation with Raphael, the Formex CEO, and Markus, the Formex Director of Marketing, we discuss the history of Formex and how the brand has evolved over the past half-decade. The Formex team helps us understand the unique features of their watches and the engineering that has gone into them, such as the automotive-like shock system and their proprietary carbon fiber material. and discuss the specifics of the Essence 39, the Leggera 41, and the Reef diver. This discussion just begins to unearth the evolution, form, and function of these watches, a brand that should be in consideration as one of the best value propositions in watches. Raphael also describes the origin of the name “Formex” from two French words, forme and extrème. Even here there is a convergence with the myrmecological world with the formica being the Latin word for ant, and myrmex being ant in Greek. In the end, on this Dogwatch shift we discuss the story of the incredible evolution of a brand and the example of how its watches can provide endless fascination.As a brief announcement, if you are going to be anywhere near New York City this coming weekend, you should certainly stop by the Windup Watch Fair and say hi to the Formex team and check out these watches in person. The show is Friday, October 21 and Saturday October 22 from 12-6:00 pm. Sunday is from 12-5. It is hosted by Worn & Wound, and if you don't know them, check out our interview with co-founder Zach Weiss On the Dogwatch Episode #40. The fair is in the Altman building on West 18th St, and I guarantee you will be glad you went.

Today On the Dogwatch we are joined by Wyatt Gilmore, CEO of Grant Stone, a company devoted to making high-quality Goodyear welt shoes and boots. Wyatt literally had shoes in his family, but early in life tried his hand at becoming a motocross racer. After that had run its course, Wyatt began to work his way up through position in the production of shoes and boots. He moved to China for what was supposed to be a short visit but turned out to be years. Wyatt eventually returned to the US and helped found Grant Stone. In our conversation, Wyatt tells us how to get a good fit in a pair of boots, the importance of width as an element in getting the proper shoe for your foot, and how a well-made boot can create a level of support, comfort and durability that is unmatched by the more cushiony options. Ultimately, we have an opportunity to talk with Wyatt about what makes stylish and properly fitting footwear.

Today we return to the Dogwatch after a few weeks off during August, and we have an episode recorded this spring with Jon Poppelle, an author and naturalist. This conversation was delayed due to an issue with the audio file, and I've gotten that resolved and we are now good to go. My apologies to Jon for the delay!If you like to be outside, there are features of the natural world that are always there with you. In the night sky, there are always stars. On the ground, there are always tracks and signs of the activities of animals. Our guest today is an expert naturalist who has refined his ability in helping others learn about these features of the natural world. Jon Poppele, is author of Night Sky: A Field Guide to the Constellations, and a series of books on animal tracks, including Animals Tracks of the Midwest.At long last, it is so good to be able to look to the signs that are imprinted in the heavens and the Earth with Jon Poppele.

A well-cut linen shirt, an organic cotton chore coat, or an extra soft merino wool sweater and cap are perfect to wear on any Dogwatch, which makes it even more of a special opportunity that we are joined today by Alex Crane. Alex is the founder and designer of his own clothing brand, Alex Crane, that provides garments intended to help you feel breezy and look sharp at the same time. What's more, Alex has committed to making his clothing from 100% natural materials, and by 2025 he plans to have them fully biodegradable as well. Alex sent me several items so that I could experience his work in-person, and I can say that the materials, design, and cuts of his clothing are something that anyone who loves to go from the indoors to the outdoors should consider experiencing. When he told me that their linen is grown on the coast in Normandy, France, and the fibers spent their young life looking over the English Channel, I was intrigued. Now feeling the substantial and soft fabric in my hand, the value of this super-fabric is clear–it is an incredibly low-impact fiber environmentally, only requires water and sun to grow, is antimicrobial, and is 3x as strong as cotton.In our conversation, Alex describes how he came to design clothes and the development of his brand, the features that typify Alex Crane clothing, as well as specific aspects of the materials he uses, details of design, and the fit of the offerings. This is not just a talk on clothes, though. Alex provides perspectives on books he has read, water, the roles and responsibilities of clothiers and consumers, and fittingly, even helps us think about the evolution of beauty.So sit back and join us as we think about all the joy and comfort that can come from natural things.

It turns out that this episode of the Dogwatch is brought to you by the letter “W,” a show that can be described with an alliterative string on watches starting with our guest, Zach Weiss of Worn & Wound. Being one of the co-founders of Worn & Wound, Zach describes how the business grew from an inauspicious blog intended to help a friend choose a watch into what is now one of the primary sites for watch journalism and commerce. In a phrase, we learn it is “A place to discover watches and experience enthusiasm.” In our conversation, we talk with Zach about watches he is excited about, including two new ones on his own wrist, the goals and aspects of Worn & Wound, such as their main site for news and reviews, the Windup Watch Shop, and Windup Watch Fair. We also look ahead to the upcoming Windup fair in Chicago, and to new releases.

On top of the stack of the world's expedition narratives, survival stories, and inspiring but hard-to-believe-they-are-true adventure books, sits Ernest Shackleton. The tale of the Endurance and Shackleton has become so legendary not only because of what he and his men did, but also because of how they did it: the underlying values they relied on, the character traits they exhibited, and the human feats of leadership and strength they enacted. Today On the Dogwatch we have the honor to talk with Martin Brooks, who co-founded the Shackleton brand with his partner Ian Holdcroft. In our conversation, Martin holds forth on Shackleton–known as “the Boss” to his men–and describes how they came to create the Shackleton brand, the values that it represents, and the reasons that quality gear is meaningful and essential for expeditions. We also discuss with Martin the various aspects of the Shackleton brand, such as their parkas, sweaters, clothing and platinum prints of Frank Hurley's photographs, the expedition challenges they offer in such locations as Norway and Antarctica, as well as the newly minted Shackleton Medal that recognizes someone each year who has made a significant contribution to the protection of Earth's polar regions. And don't worry, along with looking to the future with the brand, we also look back at Shackleton's adventures and discuss what we can learn from them. So pour yourself an extra ration of rum, or your chosen beverage, let your imagination drift to the distant horizon, and let's get started with what is sure to be a very memorable Dogwatch.

There is plenty to learn from the British in terms of classic style, especially for those who are interested in the outdoors. On this episode of the Dogwatch, we speak with David Evans, the man behind the Grey Fox Blog, one of the early style blogs and a mainstay of classic British lifestyle commentary. David is frequently featured in the media, and you can see his take on summer style this past week in the UK's The Daily Telegraph.  In our conversation, David talks with us about the roots of classic British outdoor and casual wear, tweed and its production in Britain, as well as dogs and Land Rovers. We also discuss the ways in which we can strive toward a more sustainable approach to clothing and style.At the time of this recording I asked David about his dog Harry, and anyone who follows the Grey Fox on Instagram will know Harry from his frequent appearances. Just days after our conversation, Harry passed away unexpectedly. This was obviously very difficult for David and his family. Today's episode of the Dogwatch is dedicated to Harry, and the positive energy and love that dogs can bring to us in this world in the ways that Harry did. So here's to Harry, and our thoughts go out to David as well.

Most listeners of this podcast will be familiar with the epic adventure of Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance. However, the Endurance does not have a monopoly on being stuck in Antarctic ice, nor does it have precedence. Before the Endurance, Belgian captain Adrien de Gerlache took the Belgica on a southward expedition with the hopes of reaching the magnetic south pole. On the Dogwatch today we are fortunate to be joined by Julian Sancton who recently wrote Madhouse at the End of the Earth, a bestselling book that the New York TImes calls “exquisitely researched and deeply engrossing,” in which he tells the incredible tale of the Belgica, how it became lodged in the Antarctic ice, and how its crew, much to their detriment, became the first to endure the dark Antarctic winter. In our conversation, we get to know Julian's background in journalism and writing, how he came to tell the tale of the Belgica, and learn more about the characters in the book, including Roald Amundson, who became one of most prominent explorers of all time. If that is not enough, I would think that starting the tale in Leavenworth Penitentiary will  peak the interest of most Dogwatch listeners.

For a normal shift On the Dogwatch, we proceed at the measured pace of a ship under sail, looking out at the natural world, considering interesting ideas as if we were having a conversation on an evening dogwatch shift. Today, however, we ramp the speed significantly as we learn how to time things that go very fast. We visit with Judy Stropus, who is a legendary timer and scorer in the auto racing world, and has also been involved as a driver as well. She is author of the Stropus Guide to Auto Race Timing and Scoring, is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame, and is the current Grand Marshal of Concours d'Elegance in Greenwich Connecticut. In our conversation we discuss the ways in which timing and scoring was done before the advent of electronic timers, and how Judy's career developed both in the pit as a timer and on the track as a driver. We discuss a wide range of perspectives, including how timing and scoring is done, the place for fear on the racetrack (spoiler, there isn't one), Judy's friendship with Paul Newman, and her participation in what is casually referred to as the “Cannonball Run,” driving a Cadillac Limousine. So buckle up, and let's get to our conversation with Judy Stropus.

As we get into the warmer weather of spring, many of us On the Dogwatch will start to think of road trips. One of the many great things about these trips is that they can afford us time to think about our lives. There is no more iconic North American road trip than Robert Pirsig's travels inZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. On this Dogwatch, we have the pleasure to be joined by Mark Richardson, a longtime motorcycle and automotive writer, now writing for the Globe and Mail in Canada, who retraced Pirsig's footsteps in Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. In our conversation with Mark, we discuss how he decided to write his book on Pirsig, what he learned along the way, and how he thinks about Pirsig and the book now.Our feature today is the pump at the Wayside Rest Area where Pirsig stopped on the first leg of his journey on Highway 55 out of Minneapolis. Mark stopped at what seems certain to be the same stop around 2004 and pumped the pump himself. Just several days ago, I made my own trip to this small rest stop. Although the pavilion is still there, the pump has disappeared. So where is Pirsig's pump? If you have any information about this let us know, as we are on the trail of this important historical object.

It is rare to have the opportunity to speak with a true expert in the practice of bonsai. In fact, there aren't very many of them, and most speak Japanese. We have the great fortune on this episode of the Dogwatch to be able to speak with Bjorn Bjorholm, who is one of the rising stars in the practice and study of bonsai. Luckily for us, Bjorn speaks Japanese and English, as he grew up in Knoxville, TN, and now oversees the flourishing Eisei-en Bonsai Garden in Nashville. In our conversation, we learn how Bjorn grew up with a strong interest in bonsai and Japanese culture, hear about his early experiences in Japan and his six-year apprenticeship at Kouka-en bonsai nursery in Osaka, Japan. Bjorn explains the approach of Eisei-en and how it compares to a traditional Japanese bonsai garden, and how bonsai helps us experience nature and get similar benefits if we went further afield.Our feature today is the forest style of  bonsai. This style is one of a number of styles–such as upright, slanting, and cascade–in which five or more trees are used to create a miniature forest. The number and species of trees chosen, their placement relative to one another, and their planting substrate work together to create a unique approximation of a forest scene. Bjorn shares with us that this form is the one that appeals most  to people new to bonsai. In our interview, he describes that he made a forest clump when he was 16 , and this is one of the very few plants in his garden that he will never sell.

There is no more important first step when one heads to the field than to put on quality footwear, and many times this means a great pair of boots. In my search for long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable footwear I found Helm Boots, of Austin, Texas. I got to know Brad Day, their CEO, and am grateful that he was willing to join us for a shift On the Dogwatch. In our conversation, Brad and I discuss his background and experiences in footwear, the development of the Helm Boot brand, and aspects of how boots are made. We also discuss how to choose a boot, some of the attributes of Helm's current offerings, and new styles that are in the pipeline.Our feature on this episode is the Endurance, which is both one of the core principles of Helm Boots, and the ship that Ernest Shackleton took to Antarctica in 1914 in an attempt to be the first to cross that continent. Despite now lying under 3000 meters of water in the Weddell Sea near Antarctica, the Endurance is a symbol of perseverance, fortitude, and the human spirit, and the expedition that bears its name is certainly one of the best exploring adventures of the modern era. The current location of the Endurance was only recently discovered by the Endurance22 expedition on March 5, 2022. 

We turn the compass north on this Dogwatch and thankfully are joined by Andrea Pitzer, a person who not only has been on multiple Arctic expeditions, but has also written Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World, a book about one of the early European polar explorers of the region, William Barents. Along with being a writer of books and a freelance journalist, Andrea has a wealth of other experiences that inform her perspectives. In our conversation, we discuss what life was like at the end of the 16th century, what questions Barents and others were trying to answer on their expeditions to the Arctic, and some of how those adventures turned out. Ultimately, Andrea helps us see Barents as someone who made his name not so much for his specific discoveries but for his ability to endure and persist in the face of incredible suffering, which became a template for later polar expeditions. She even points out how Shakespeare included a reference to Barents and his men in Twelfth Night, referring to an “icicle on a Dutchman's beard,” and shows how widely this adventure was known despite the account of the voyages not being published in English at the time.Given that this episode focuses on the Arctic, our feature is the late James McCarthy, who was a Professor of Biological Oceanography at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology. H passed away in 2019 at the age of 75. The Harvard Gazette quoted Al Gore:“Nobody communicated the importance of the climate crisis in the context of the oceans as eloquently and passionately as Jim.”I definitely looked up to Jim in our interactions, and remember his generosity, passion, and particularly his commitment to understanding and taking action on climate issues. It is now up to us to follow Jim's lead, to redouble our efforts, and commit each day to take on this challenge.

We take to the skies on this episode of the Dogwatch and speak with Abingdon Mullin, who is a wide-ranging pilot who also started a watch company. When Abingdon became a working pilot, she wanted to reward herself with a pilot's watch but couldn't find one that was a good fit for her wrist. So she decided to make one herself. In this conversation we discuss Abingdon's life as a pilot and her adventures from Alaska to the Caribbean in a host of different aircraft. We then discuss how she came to the idea for Abingdon Co. Watches, their design aesthetic, and the range of their watch offerings from pilot watches to racing watches to dive watches. We also save a bit of time to hear about the efforts of the Abingdon Foundation as well.Our feature today is Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American to become a civilian pilot. Born into a family of sharecroppers in Texas, Bessie eventually moved to France to complete her pilot's training. She returned to the US to work in stunt flying until her death in a airplane accident in 1926. Bessie was a true pioneer.

On this episode of the Dogwatch we visit with horologist, museum curator, and author David Rooney. We have the opportunity to talk with David about how he learned about clocks and watches from his parents, his path to becoming a museum curator at several prestigious institutions in England, and some of the most interesting timekeeping devices he has known. David teaches us not only about specific clocks but also about some of the history of how they have been used in human civilizations and their relationship to people and power. This conversation just begins to touch on the wealth of information and fascinating stories David includes in his recent book About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks.Today we feature the John Harrison clocks, sometimes simply  known as “the Harrisons.” These clocks, labeled H1 to H4, were produced by John Harrison in the early 18th century in response to the Longitude Act of 1714, which offered a huge reward for someone who could devise a reliable method for determining longitude at sea. Despite being trained as a carpenter, he started making clocks at the age of 20, and eventually created four of the most important clocks ever built. These clocks, now housed at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, were under the care of our guest while he was curator there.

On this episode of the Dogwatch we have the true pleasure of visiting with James Cox, who is an environmentalist, business leader, and someone who is a main character in what is possibly the most iconic watch story in the history of wristwatches. We discuss the meaning that can be contained in watches and objects, James's relationship with Paul Newman, how Newman gave him what is now known as the Paul Newman Paul Newman watch, and the thinking behind eventually putting it up for auction. In the end, this is an episode about ways in which life can be lived, and what we can learn from others. And James even has an incredible surprise in store for the Dogwatch host at the end of the episode.Our feature today is the Paul Newman Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference number 6239. The watch that set this story in motion was purchased at Tiffany's in New York by Joanne Woodward for her husband Paul Newman. This watch was one of four Rolex reference numbers that are now known as “Paul Newman” Daytonas. The actual watch that Newman wore and eventually gave to our guest James Cox in the 1980s had a cream dial with black sub-dials. Although it sold on a steel bracelet, it became famous on a black leather bund strap. The watch sold for 17.8 million at Phillips auction house in New York in 2017.

Have you ever attempted to create your own terrarium? Have you wondered how to design one, what plants to use, or why they fail? If so, today's podcast is for you. Especially in temperate parts of the world, winter is a time when there is less sunshine, colder temperatures, and much less green in our worlds. But there is an answer–one can keep their own miniature jungle, stream, or peaceful forest in a terrarium. Today On the Dogwatch we are joined by Ben Newell of Worcester Terrariums to help us understand the history, design, and possibilities for creating this kind of miniature universe.Ben's plant starter suggestions:Java moss (grows well in and out of water) Leuobryum glaucum - bun moss, pincushion mossDicranum scoparium - mood moss or greater fork mossThuidium tamariscinum - tamarisk mossMnium hornum - time mossLemon button fernCreeping button fernSword fernPeperomia sp.Barbosella dusenii - orchidFicus thunbergii - oak leaf ficus 

Today we explore the ways in which learning, memory, and creativity are affected by our level of activity, specifically while walking. Shane O'Mara, author of In Praise of Walking, helps us understand the overall health benefits of movement, the ways in which walking specifically helps nourish the brain and how it relates to creativity, and the intricate interplay among memory, navigation, and imagination in the brain's hippocampal formation. Shane helps us consider how the teacher's advice to stop staring out the window and to pay attention may be outdated, and closes with a reading from James Joyce's Ulysses, one of the best all-time stories about foot travel.Given this reference, our feature today is the Irish author James Joyce. Joyce was born in Dublin in 1882 and died in Zurich in 1941 at the age of 59. He created works that explored new modes of writing, and used stream of consciousness and abrupt changes in point of view.  His Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man in 1916, Ulysses from 1922 and Finnegans Wake from 1939 are several of his most enduring works. They are a source of inspiration in dedicated English students, and bafflement in everyone else. Regardless, it's clear that a lot of interesting ideas come out of Dublin. On this episode of On the Dogwatch we have the great pleasure to be joined by neuroscientist, author, and confirmed bipedalist Shane O'Mara. Shane is Professor of Experimental Brain Research at Trinity College Dublin, and his research explores the systems of the brain that underlie learning, memory, and cognition. He is author of In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Exploration, in addition to Why Torture Doesn't Work, and A Brain for Business - A Brain for Life. 

Today On the Dogwatch we have an opportunity to talk with Tom Bartels, the former and longtime director of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, which runs both the NAWCC Museum, and Library and Research Center in Columbia, PA. Tom has been a member of the NAWCC for 54 years, and has lectured throughout the world on clocks and horology. He joins us from his home in Nevada and discusses clock and watch collecting, shares tips on how to approach making a collection, describes the NAWCC holdings and jewels of the collection, and relates the story of locating the treasured Engle clock in the back of a barn.Our feature today is the song “My Grandfather's Clock” that was written by Henry Clay Work in 1876.Tom shares with us that the clock in this song is what led to the general public indiscriminately referring to most large clocks as “grandfather clocks” after the song became popular, despite the fact that they are technically known as tall-case clocks.

Today On the Dogwatch we turn our attention to the appreciation of the Seiko watch, and how much satisfaction one can get from taking them apart, fixing them, and putting them together again as new. We speak with Spencer Klein at Klein Vintage Watch and discuss his journey into the watch world from the moment he traded a t-shirt for a Girard-Perregaux, some of the history of the Seiko company during its golden age, and how Spencer's craft and business have developed into what it is today. Before we begin, our feature for today is a   dog named Sport who is a cross between a ShihTzu and Yorkshire Terrier–a Shorkie. This cross produces small and affectionate dogs that top out at about a dozen pounds, good for cuddling and laps, and for accommodating life in the big city, like Sport does in the Big Apple. Sport, like the Dogwatch, is a fan of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and we encourage you to learn more about them and join in helping accelerate the next generation of treatments for Parkinson's disease.

In looking for words to describe what the Vortic Watch Company does in taking vintage American pocket watch movements and making them into one-of-a-kind, American-crafted wrist watches, some have called “upcycling” to mind. But the Vortic process is much more. It has been a path of research and development, engineering, trial and error, and a demonstration and appreciation of the very best in the traditions of American engineering.  Today On the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to talk with R.T. Custer who, along with his partner Tyler Wolfe, founded and developed Vortic. We talk with RT about the origin of Vortic, how they source and repair movements, the process of designing and manufacturing their watch cases, as well as their Military Edition that helps support the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative. We also get to hear some of RT's thoughts on the future of the company.On this episode our feature is the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, a school that teaches the highly skilled craft of watchmaking to some of our war veterans to provide career training. Given community support, this school is free for those veterans selected to participate. You can support this initiative either by purchasing one of the Vortic Military Edition watches on Veterans day–if you can get one–or by donating directly.

Sometimes an apron is just an apron, and other times it is a carefully made, quality tool with an inspiring story behind it. Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with Kate Boerboon Meier, who started the Craftmade Apron company. These aprons came into this world organically, with Kate being called on as a mother whose son needed an apron for his work in the food industry. Starting with her own sewing machine and creative talents, Kate started with one apron, and then responded to demand that has been increasing ever since. We are able to catch up with Kate at the Craftmade studio where she discusses the origin of her company, the designs and construction of their aprons and other products, and also helps us understand the ways in which Craftmade gives back to the community it serves.

Today On the Dogwatch we have a chance to talk with Paul Pirner from the Hairless Dog Brewing Company, which is the first 0.0 alcohol by volume craft beer in the United States. In our conversation, Paul helps us understand how 0.0 craft beer is made, how it is different from other so-called NA beers, how Hairless Dog has developed as a brewery, and advises us on their current offerings.

One of the more dramatic uses of dogs is in searches for human remains. Today On the Dogwatch we have the great pleasure of speaking with Cat Warren, who has experiences in both training cadaver dogs and also in writing about the field of human remains detection using dogs. We discuss aspects of the research that Cat did for her book What the Dog Knows, the process of using dogs to detect remains, the sensitivity of dog noses, and how they are being used currently for archeological purposes. 

What happens when you put together a taproom and restaurant with an indoor/outdoor dog park? You get a new kind of venue for dogs and owners, and today On the Dogwatch we get to visit with Sam Carter, one of the co-owners of Unleashed Hounds and Hops in Minneapolis which is just such a place. We have the opportunity to discuss the genesis of Unleashed, the opportunities and challenges of merging these two types of businesses, and the satisfaction of providing a place for people to gather. We also make sure to discuss what happens when the dogs steal the food.

Most times when we talk about a business starting in someone's backyard or shed, we are speaking figuratively. But like so many things at ColsenKeane Leather Goods & Provisions, things are literal, and that is just what happened. Today On Dogwatch we are very fortunate to be able to talk with Scott Hofert, ColsenKeane's founder and head leathersmith about topics from their origin story to the details of their bags, that they describe as overbuilt, intentional, and one for a lifetime.At the end of the episode, Scott has provided a special discount code for Dogwatch listeners!

On this very special episode of the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to visit with the Trinidadian-Canadian songwriter and author Anslem Douglas. We discuss his early musical development and influences, the writing and meaning of the song “Who Let the Dogs Out,” as well as his recent album and writing projects. There is no better introduction than music, so we start this episode with Anslem Douglas's track “2 Days.”

On this episode of the Dogwatch talk with James Costa and learn about the role of domesticated organisms, like dogs, in the development of Darwin's theory of natural selection. We range from Down House in England to the Galapagos and discuss how these organisms affected Darwin's thinking.See Jim's books:Darwin's BackyardThe Annotated OriginWallace, Darwin, and the Origin of SpeciesThe Other Insect SocietiesFor Darwin and dogs, see the Darwin Correspondence Project.Quotation in podcast introduction from:“I most heartily subscribe to what you say about the qualities of Dogs: I have one whom I love with all my heart.” (1871)Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 13889,” accessed on 9 November 2021, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-13889.xml

On this episode of the Dogwatch we visit with Chris Elfering, the creator of the Lochby company, which creates fine notebooks and accessories from waxed canvas and fountain pen friendly paper. Starting points for Lochby are the Field Journal, and the Pilot Prera pen.Use dogwatch10 at checkout for a discount!Chris recommends three other pens on the show as starters:Pilot MetropolitanLamy SafariTWSBI Eco

Today On the Dogwatch we turn our attention to Salukis, a fascinating breed of dogs from North Africa and the Middle East. There is no one better to guide us on a quest to understand these dogs than Brian Duggan, who has been a breeder and judge for these dogs for decades. Our story touches on fascinating historical subjects like the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb, Lawrence of Arabia, as well as enlightens us on diverse aspects of aspects of these incredible animals.You can find more in his book Saluki: The Desert Hound and the English Travelers Who Brought it to the West at your local bookseller, and on his personal website.For a chance to win a knife from the FINCH Knife Company and other prizes, leave a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and then send an email to onthedogwatch@gmail.com to confirm your entry. Once we hit 100 review we'll have the drawing!

On this episode of the Dogwatch, we talk with Spencer Marquardt, a co-owner and knife designer at the Finch Knife Company. We have the pleasure of discussing the inspiration for Finch knives, what makes them unique, the materials they use, and the overall process of developing a new knife. We also have a chance to hear about how Finch knives incorporate design elements of watches including a sapphire crystal and lumed logo.

Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with Antonio Centeno, a former member of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines out of Camp Pendleton, who you may know better as the founder of the website and Youtube channel Real Men Real Style, as well as other business ventures. In this episode, Antonio discusses the green military notebook he kept as a Marine Officer, how he used it in one direction to keep track of daily activities, troop movements, casualties, and then turned it over and in the reverse direction documented things like his finances, and notes to help him determine if he should get married. In good Antonio style, his journal generates discussion not only about notebooks, but also a range of other subjects including Indiana Jones, management, the Eisenhower Matrix, and the evolution of sharks.

Today On the Dogwatch we have a wide-ranging talk with Reid Bryant about the history of Orvis, types of bird dogs and their relative functions, conservation, and his love of fine mechanical objects like shotguns and watches. Along with getting a window on dogs and hunting from New England, and not missing the opportunity to ask about his favorite gear, we also get to hear Reid's perspectives on nature and hunting from many years of experience in the field.Reid Bryant is the Endorsed Operations Manager at Orvis, the host of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, and also a freelance writer.

Today On the Dogwatch we have an opportunity to talk with Hal Herzog about our relationship with animals, especially dogs. Hal is both a psychologist and academic, and has a new edition of his book Some We Love, Some We Hate, and Some We Eat: Why It's So Hard to Think Straight About Animals coming out very soon. He also writes the Animals and Us blog for Psychology Today.Hal helps us think about why we love dogs, how they have fit into our lives as humans in the past and how they do now, why we care about them more than the mice we trap in our basements, and the dilemma that surrounds thinking of them as members of our families. He also helps us address some urban myths such as whether your dog will get help if you are injured, if people really do look like their dogs, and there is any evidence for a special channel of communication between humans and dogs. Ultimately, we get a chance to approach different moral and philosophical perspectives on our favorite pets.