Dispensary Corner 14 May 12
May 14, 2012
CROSS species contagion.
Yawns can spread across a room
full of people like wildfire as soon
as someone starts the chain,
however researchers now think
that yawns can also spread
between dogs and humans.
Researchers from the University of
Portugal tested the theory by
playing the sound of yawns to 29
dogs.
Results found that nearly 50% of
dogs yawned in response to the
noise, and were five times more
likely to yawn if it was the noise
of their owner yawning.
“These results suggest that
dogs have the capacity to
empathise with humans,” said
lead author Karine Silva.
THE cane toad of Kent?
The introduction of species into
environments to which they are
not naturally occurring, has
proved in the past to not be a
spectacular idea (cane toads, rats,
possums, just to name a few).
So it is interesting to note that
an Australian wallaby has turned
up free-range in the English
county of Kent.
The wallaby was caught on
camera by a dog walker, Alex
Pooley, who happened on the
creature whilst walking along a
farm track on Pluckley.
“We were in a field near the
train station and I saw what I
thought was a giant hare, but
then it moved and started
hopping,” said Pooley.
“I was a bit surprised to say the
least and the dog was off the lead
at the time and he went off to
investigate.
“They ran around for a couple
of minutes and then he came
back and I put him on the lead,”
she added.
According to Pooley the wallaby
was “quite friendly” and came
right up to her before hopping away.
As yet it is not known how the
wallaby got into Kent, or if there
is a horde hiding away enjoying
the English countryside.
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