Revealing the secret thread

[JohnLloydJones]

Some of you may have noticed Smalahundur's signature: ("Milli manns og hests og hunds hangir leyniþráður") which is a quote by the Icelandic poet, Einar Benediktsson, where he compares the bond between man and his closest animal companions with a secret (or hidden) thread.

 

Well, recent reported fMRI results have begun to lift the veil. See Scent of the familiar: An fMRI study of canine brain responses to familiar and unfamiliar human and dog odors for a fascinating study of how dogs perceive unfamiliar and familar odours. Spoiler, their human's scent beats that of a dog's.

 

[and a hat tip, once again, to Terrierman for setting me on the scent trail.]

[Maxi]

Not only that, but this paper indicates that there is also scientific evidence that the bond works both ways. This group used fMRI to see how the brain 'lit up' when mothers were shown pictures of their children and their dogs compared to unfamiliar dogs/kids.

 

Spoiler .... The study shows that "Although there are similarities in the perceived emotional experience and brain function associated with the mother-child and mother-dog bond, there are also key differences....!

 

(Don't you just love it when hi-tech science finally provides evidence that supports something that dog owners have known for years)

[TEC]

Interesting this thread popped-up today, and thank you JohnLloydJones and Smalahundur. My wife and I live in a suburban neighborhood; multiple homes lining streets woven in unusual patterns, landscaped yards, curbs, streetlights, sewers, etc. Most of the lots are larger than average, making a good set-up for our border collie and other pets we have had. Other pet owners in the vicinity.

 

Something (an invisible thread?) attracts stray animals here. Our house has nothing unusual about it that I can detect. Another appeared in the rain just now from an undeveloped area behind our fence. It was barking as if to get my attention inside the house. Opened the gate and came right in the yard. Of course, wet and tired, he ("Murphy", according to the tag) drank gulps of water and ate several dog biscuits down. Left messages at both phone numbers listed. He is a friendly wire haired terrier of some breed. Hoping for a quick return call.

 

This happens all the time. Not just Murphy, but cats and stray dogs of all description. They find a cozy place in our yard or garage, waiting to be found. I have returned more pets to their owners than you can imagine. Whatever you want to call it -- scent, brain waves, or spooky threads -- they evidently know help is here.

 

Please tell me this is not unique. There have got to be lots of similar good stories out there. -- Thanks, TEC

 

PS - 25 Nov 14, 5:15 PM, Murphy is home safe with his family.

[Gideon's girl]

We attract strays too, some I wish could stay rather than go back where they came from. I don't necessarily think that strays come to my house more than they go to my neighbors, but we definitely respond to their need for help. That would be rare for my neighbors.

[brookitar]

It's not a surprise what my doggie thinks of me...

I'm more afraid of finding out what my cats really think of me.

[Smalahundur]

Missed this post for some reason, I like the connection to my signature!

[JohnLloydJones]

Missed this post for some reason, I like the connection to my signature!

When I read the article, I immediately thought of your signature. A poetic sentiment, but nonetheless true in a deep way. It also triggers association to the Norns in Völuspá, who in some versions, weave the thread of fate.