Machines detect about 50% of explosives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dogs detect about 80%.
Legend has it that Alexander the Great’s dog, Peritas, saved his life at the Battle of Gaugamela by leaping in front of a Persian elephant and biting its lip. Alas, the dog gave his life to safe his master’s.
In the 1970s scientists learned dogs could detect even a few parts per million of a scent. Now they know it is a few parts per trillion.
A Malamute’s tail is more than gorgeous — it is specifically shaped to cover up her nose so that if she is buried in the snow, it will prevent the nose from getting frostbitten.
Molly the Dog, a Dachshund from Oklahoma, was 2008 a candidate in the U.S. presidential election. She ran on the ticket of the BYOB party.
The above is information that Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, magazine, newspaper, or website; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? Email them to Mr. Smarty Pants for possible inclusion in the column at mrpants@austinchronicle.com. “Mr. Smarty Pants Knows” and the logo, copyright 2012, R.U. Steinberg.
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