This n’ That and Books for Summer Reading
by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer Columnist
I recently received a publication called This Week in the mail and found this fascinating article about dogs being left-pawed. About one in ten people are left-handed, but according to a new study, the percentage is much higher in dogs. Researchers report that up to 80% of dogs have a preferred paw to use when stepping off something or pushing a toy. Or in my case, trying to get me to pet them yet again.
Researchers at an Italian university put dogs through a series of simple tests. They watched them fish treats from under a sofa, pin down a stuffed Kong toy, and walk downstairs. After studying canine “handedness,” they found that left-pawed dogs outnumbered right-pawed dogs by 49% to 30%, with more males than females favoring their left paw.
The study’s author suggests that left-pawed dogs tend to be more cautious and take fewer risks, while right-pawed dogs—particularly sheepdogs—display more confident, assertive behavior. Naturally, I had to test the theory. I have since paid close attention to my two dogs and to determine their handedness, and learned I have one right-pawed and one left-pawed.
The same publication also included an excerpt from The New Yorker by Adam Gopnik, who wrote, “Dogs have been bred over millennia to meet our eyes with a gaze of gratitude rather than one of appetite or fear.” I thought that was a lovely observation.
The article also listed the words dogs most commonly respond to, including “come,” “sit,” “stay,” and “no.” My dogs hear these words from me: “don’t tear that up,” “what’s in your mouth,” “no, that’s my food,” among other often used questions. They don’t seem to understand why my food is not their food.
If you’re looking for some enjoyable summer reading along these lines, here are a few highly rated dog-themed books. I searched for titles with at least a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, and most have also earned strong reviews on Goodreads.
Through the Dog’s Eyes: A Love Story by Sal Sanfilippo (Fiction) — A coming-of-age novel about a young man named Jake who longs to leave his working-class hometown. His loyal dog, Bull, stays by his side as he searches for purpose and meaning.
Live Like Abbey by Luciana Hill (Nonfiction) — The inspiring story of a tiny Rottweiler puppy born without a hip socket and a woman battling Lyme disease. A powerful and uplifting read.
A Dog Called Hope: A Wounded Warrior and the Service Dog Who Saved Him by Jason Morgan and Damien Lewis (Memoir) — I especially like that the title uses who instead of that for the dog. It’s the remarkable story of a service dog whose unwavering devotion helps a wounded soldier rebuild his life.
They Never Stop Loving You by Sal Sanfilippo (Fiction) — After seeing both of this author’s books earn 4.9-star ratings, I think I’ll have to read them myself. In this novel, Miriam’s chance conversation with an unassuming older man and his oversized bear of a dog changes her understanding of what matters most in life.
Whether you’re discovering if your dog is left-pawed or curling up with a good book on a hot summer afternoon, there’s always something new to learn about our four-legged companions—and that’s just one more reason to love them.
Enjoy!
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