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Fascinating Facts and Life-Changing Companions

Fascinating Facts and Life-Changing Companions
by
January 08, 2026
in Humane Education Column
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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist

While we’re waiting for snow to arrive, here’s a fun way to pass the time, and maybe learn something new about the animals who share our homes and our community. At the shelter, we see every day just how smart, surprising, and unique cats and dogs can be. How well do you know them? Try these true-or-false questions and check your answers at the bottom.

Cat Questions – True or False

  1. Cats are nocturnal creatures.
  2. Cats can taste sweet things.
  3. A cat’s nose print is unique, like a human fingerprint.
  4. Cats only purr when they are happy.
  5. Cats can jump up to six times their length.
  6. All cats hate water.
  7. Adult cats need milk.
  8. Cats can be ambidextrous, left-pawed, or right-pawed, similar to human handedness.

Dog Questions – True or False

  1. Dogs can smell our feelings.
  2. Dogs see the world in black and white.
  3. Dogs have more bones than humans.
  4. One unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in only 6 years.
  5. Dalmatians are born with spots.
  6. A dog’s wet nose helps its sense of smell.
  7. A wagging tail always means a dog is happy.
  8. All puppies are born deaf.

Cats (True or False): 1. False, 2. False, 3. True, 4. False, 5. True 6. False 7. False 8. True

Dogs (True or False): 1. True, 2. False, 3. True, 4. True, 5. False, 6. True 7. False 8. True

Some bonus round questions about dogs: 1. What was the name of the famous dog that waited at Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirk for 14 years? 2. What is a group of puppies called? 3. What is the real-life name of the dog who played Toto in the Wizard of Oz? 4. What is the official name for a mixed-breed dog? 5. How many teeth does an adult dog typically have? 6. What is the average gestation period for a dog? 7. What breed of dog was commonly used in wartime as messenger dogs due to their intelligence and loyalty? 8. What is the term for a dog with one blue eye and one brown eye? 9. What part of a dog’s anatomy helps it balance when running or jumping? 10. Which dog breed is known for its “yodeling” instead of barking?

Answers in reverse order: 10. Basenji, 9. Tail, 8. Heterochromia, 7. German Shepherd, 6. Sixty-three days, 5. Forty-two, 4. Mutt, 3. Terry, 2. A litter, 1. Greyfriars Bobby

Trivia reminds us that cats and dogs are endlessly fascinating, but their real impact goes far beyond fun facts. Studies have shown that pets can reduce stress, encourage routine, and help people feel more connected and less alone. By supporting Ark-Valley Humane Society, you can help ensure shelter animals experience that same love and care. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, open your home as a foster, or welcome a new companion through adoption, you have the power to improve the quality of a homeless animal’s life, and in return, they just might improve yours too.

 

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