5 Minutes

When a woman says "I'll be ready in 5 minutes" and when a man says "Let me call you back in 5 minutes", both essentially have the same time frame in mind.

So, Dear Men, when you groan, get angry and throw a fit over why she can't be ready in "5 minutes" think of how much time it would take you to "call her back"

And, Dear Women, before you free-fall into depression, become suicidal and decide to slash your wrists because he hasn't called you back in "5 minutes" think of all of the hours you've had him waiting because your ass didn't look too flattering.

Why Are Dogs Man's Best Friend?

Evolving With Dogs

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera

When humans emerged from the evolutionary process, they were greeted by a wag of the tail and a lick on the face. It seems like that sometimes. As though we emerged from the primordial ooze and there they were. In fact, we evolved together, and our special relationship with canines has existed since prehistoric times. According to Darcy Moray, zoo archaeologist from the University of Tennessee at Martin, the oldest convincing case occurred "In Germany, about 14,000 years [ago]. Not only was the dog buried, it was part of a human double grave," (Archeology, November 8. 2006). Furthermore, Moray continues, the oldest evidence of this human/canine bond in North America is between 9000 and 10,000 years old, with dog burials documented from every major land mass in the world except Antarctica.

Talk To The Animals

There's more to it than just growing up and evolving together. "It looks like dogs really do understand what we are trying to tell them, they are thinking about what we want, and they understand that we are trying to communicate," said Brian Hare of Harvard University. A study was conducted by Hare comparing dogs, puppies, wolves and chimpanzees' ability to understand human communication methods. Since wolves have bigger brains than dogs, it was thought they would do better, and since chimpanzees are biologically closer to humans, it was thought they would do best.

The dogs surprised scientists by doing much better than wolves or chimpanzees, and even puppies as young as 9 weeks old outperformed them as well.

"Dogs have a talent for reading social cues in a very sophisticated way," Hare said.

A Working Relationship

There has also been a long standing working relationship between dogs and humans, which further cements our symbiotic relationship . "We know that dogs were useful for lots of things in Stone Age culture, as draft animals, in hunting, for warmth, and for protection," said Jennifer Leonard, a postdoctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. Herding dogs, hunting dogs, tracking dogs and sled dogs have been joined by a plethora of modern day working dogs. From rescue dogs to assistance dogs, from war dogs to cadaver dogs, our best friends have made themselves indispensable.

In many ways, we have become as dependent on them as they are on us.

The Hero Dog

There have been many news stories detailing the bond between dogs and humans, and tales of dog heroics enter the public consciousness, capture our imaginations, and fuel our assertions that a dog's loyalty is unwavering. No mere animals these, but trustworthy companions who well deserve our praise and pampering.

Deep in a forest in Kenya in 2005, a baby was abandoned by her mother and left to die. A stray dog, herself a new mother, heard the baby's cries and dragged her to her own litter, caring for her, nursing her, and treating her like one of her own pups. Eventually the baby was discovered, the dog still watching over her, and was taken to a hospital and is now growing up a healthy baby girl.

This begs the question, "Just how deep is the tie between humans and dogs? Did the dog know instinctively how to care for a human baby, even though she was a stray and may have had little human contact?

On the infamous 9/11, blind computer technician Omar Eduardo Rivera was at his desk on the 71^st floor of the World Trade Center north tower, his guide dog "Dorado" lying under the desk. Then the plane struck. It seemed impossible to get down the stairs, so Rivera unleashed "Dorado" so he could escape to freedom. The dog refused to go, but soon was swept up in the tide of people and disappeared down the stairwell. As people pushed him, knocked him aside, and spun him around in their panic, Rivera was constantly becoming disoriented. Several minutes later, he felt the familiar lick on his left hand. Dorado had returned - fighting against the massive exodus - and spent the next hour guiding Rivera to safety. A very short time later the building collapsed.

One autumn day in late October, 2006, Michael Bosch and his dog "Honey" were just heading out from their isolated 70 acre property, with the nearest neighbor ¼ of a mile away. Bosch was recovering from a heart attack only 2 months before. Suddenly, blinded by the sun, Bosch drove his SUV into a ravine, rolled over 5 times and dropped 50 feet, landing upside down. Bosch hung upside down for 8 hours, pinned by a tree that had come through the roof. Realizing that "Honey" - only 5 months old at the time - was his only chance for escape, he managed to get her out through a gaping hole in the windshield, urging her to get help. "Honey" made her way through the thick brambles of the forest, finally arriving at a neighbors door. In a scene right out of Lassie, "Honey" led the neighbor to the accident site and Bosch was saved. Bosch, remarkably, had saved "Honey" from a shelter just two weeks before the accident.

Friends Who Play Together...

The usefulness of dogs does not alone account for the unique bond between us. We like them. We pamper them. We buy them balls and squeaky things and stuff to chew on. We play fetch with them, teach them to catch a Frisbee, and train them to sit, stay, lie down, and heel. We take them for walks, but often they take us. They will follow us anywhere if we let them. They sleep in our beds and sit on our laps. Americans alone now spend $41 billion a year on their pets, more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world.

The Ties That Bind

We interact with each other as social organisms. We feel for each other. We share in each others joy, and suffer in sympathy with each others pain. Their feelings are hurt when we yell at them, but they cheer us up when we are down. They know how we're feeling, and they let us know if they're angry with us or if they're feeling sick. And we rush them off to the vet or the animal hospital or wherever and dear, God, please help my dog. He is like a son to me and I've raised him from a puppy and he is loyal and true and damn it I love him. And we weep when we bury them. And they are sad when we are buried. Unbearably, heart-breakingly sad. It is this emotional attachment, this un-dissolvable bond, that puts dogs over the top. This is what, ultimately, makes the dog - a simple creature but not so dumb after all - man's best friend
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WOOF! Why DO dogs bark?

What are Dogs Communicating When Barking?

When asking the question why do dogs bark? You must then ask why do people talk? I'll use some anthropomorphic comparisons to help understand the reasons dogs bark. I have a friend who seems to think dogs bark just to annoy us, I really don't believe this is true, I can't imagine a dog being this disrespectful. My belief when it comes to a dog barking is compared to what I think of when a human talks. Humans speak, and so do dogs. The two have more in common than you would think. Humans talk to express emotions, dogs bark to express emotions. Human talk to communicate with each other, dogs bark to communicate with each other. Humans talk to dogs to tell them something, dogs bark at humans to them something. We can watch our dogs playing and barking at another dog, what they may be conveying is unknown to us, but when they turn their vocal interactions to humans, we must learn to determine what our K9 companion has to say.

Most Common Barking Styles

Humans get louder, dogs bark

When a child gets loud he is requesting something or telling you something. When asking why do dogs bark, the answer is very similar. A loud child communicates he is hungry, lonely, hurt, or needs to be changed by the act of becoming loud or crying. A barking dog communicates he is ready for his meal, misses you, he has an injury, or he needs to be let outside; all by the act of barking.Knowing the different barks your dog is using when trying to tell you something may take some time. After you have lived with your canine for a while, you will understand his vocalizations and personality much better.

Mystery Barking

A dog may seem to be barking at absolutely nothing. We ponder what he is doing and why? Be reassured that your dog is NOT barking for NO reason, he has a reason and to him, it is a good reason! The first thing to recognize is if he is barking at things like a chair, a wall, or some non-visible thing; this kind of mystery barking can indicate he is having an emotional or physical problem and may need to be seen by your veterinarian. But in most cases what we see as mystery barking occurs when your dog is hurt, hungry, wants to go for a stroll, or he has heard or seen someone outside the home. Humans don't have the keen hearing and scent skills like that of a dog, and as such, we may not uncover the sounds and smells of danger that our dog will.

Barking non-stop

In some cases the dog that seems to be barking non-stop may need a refresher course on proper doggy manners or a (non-pain inflicting) bark-collar. I recommend spray or scent collars versus electric shock collars, I am not fond of causing my pet pain when another method can be just as effective. However, if you observe the non-stop barker for a few minutes, (or even seconds) you will notice his snout is pointing in a constant direction. He is more than likely looking at something he really wants while barking at the same time. If you see his 'red bouncy dog toy' sitting just out of his reach, well you have solved the barking mystery.

This is very common behavior for your dog to display, so it remains your job to learn and understand what it is that your K9 is attempting to convey. This non-stop barking is an indication that a need your dog has strong feelings about, is not being quenched. As mentioned before, you may need to give your dog a refresher course on his vocal manners, because you won't always be there to meet his need every minute of the day, which could cause your dog extreme anxiety if he's not given proper direction.

Backtalk Barking

When dealing with a dog that talks back, that is, one that barks or makes grumbling noises at you when you are telling him to do, or stop doing something, it should be considered as an act of defiance. It parallels when your 15 year old talks back to you defiantly. Not all dogs miss behave in this manner, just like not all 15 year olds talk back. If you have a situation where your dog barks at you when you direct him to sit, stay, or drop something from his teeth, you have a defiant K9 on your hands.

Once you recognize this behavior you must use compliance training to reign him in and remind him that you are the top-dog and pack alpha. This does not mean you should get over aggressive or hit your dog. Like your dogs ancestors the wolf, you need to remind your dog by way of deference actions, respect, and pack allegiance, as to how he must act.

If you take the time to understand the reason behind your dogs barking behavior, you will have an easier task at revising it. Most barking behavior we assume to mean, "feed me," "I need water," or "let me out." If the barking behavior your dog is displaying is caused by anxiety, fear, or dominance, you will need to consider retraining your dog in an attempt to prevent a good-dog from going bad, and taking his aggression to whole-other-level.

Dog Body Language

relaxed safe dog - You should still approach slowly.

alert dog - watch body language of the dog before approaching.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR FEAR OF DOGS

Some people mistakenly think the fear of dogs is good because it brings greater caution when dealing with them. In my opinion, this NEVER works. When we are scared or frightened of something, we are likely to run, scream or make furtive motions and even react inappropriately. These things tend to trigger a dogs senses, causing the dog to move closer, rather than keeping him away.

I understand that dogs can and do bite on occasion, but this is less often then you might think, and by following a few simple rules you can all but ensure that no one is going to get bit. Learning dog body language and behavior has to be the number one goal. The more we understand something, the less apt we are to be frightened of it; this includes dogs.

Many humans are scared of dogs because they don't know what the K9 might do next. Dogs communicate primarily by use of body language. A basic knowledge of body language can help you understand what a dogs' true intentions are going to be.

Greeting a Dog - Do's and Don'ts

The Do's to remember when greeting a dog for the first time (or any time):

• DO Approach the dog in a calm manner - Quick or furtive motion in a dogs direction can scare them.
• DO Look at the dog's feet when you greet him - Dogs can feel threatened when looked in the eyes, causing an aggressive act to follow.
• DO Make certain the dog sees you coming before you get close - If you surprise a dog he may nip out of fear.
• DO Make a fist with your hand and then allow the dog to sniff it - If a nip does occur, less damage to knuckles than to outstretched fingers.
• DO Avoid injured or sick looking dogs - Dogs that are limping, have bandages, dried blood or other signs of injury or sickness should never be approached by untrained people. Even professional handlers tread cautiously under these circumstances.

The Don'ts to remember when greeting a dog for the first time (or any time):

• DON'T Put your hand or fingers into a car window, crate screen, cage or box that a dog is confined in - The dog may be uneasy and nip at you because he has no way out or he feels the need to protect his environment.
• DON'T Approach a dog that is tied - This dog may bite out of fear or to protect his territory. He may also jump and cause injury to a small child or to himself.
• DON'T Approach a mother dog with her pups - It is a natural maternal drive that causes the female dog to protect her pups. Have no doubt, this bitch will bite.
• DON'T Put your face against a dogs face - This action may startle the dog or aggravate him causing him to snap, and this nip will be to your face.
• DON'T Sit on a dog's back (or let your kids) no matter how big the dog is - This may cause the dog pain which can cause even the sweetest of our canine friends to bite. Even if you have done this a hundred times in the past, it only takes one careless pain inflicting second to ruin the relationship between you and your long time K9 companion.

Basic Dog Body Language Guide

Source: K9keystrokes

Most Expensive Cars Of all Time

Ever wondered what the most expensive car is? This is the top 10 most expensive cars, all sold at auction, some of which are so rare they cause a media frenzy when they go up for sale. All the names should be familiar to you, they are of course the big ones!

10 - 1930 Bentley Speed Six - $5.1 million

See all 10 photos

10 - 1930 Bentley Speed Six - $5.1 million

10 - 1930 Bentley Speed Six - $5.1 million

During the 1920's, Bentley was very successful at the Le Mans racing, winning first in 1924, and then again every year from 1927 to 1930. This 1930's Speed six is the finest surviving winner and sold at Christie's Le Man Classic in 2004. 

9 - 1953 Ferrari 340/375 M Berlinetta Competizione - $5.8 million

1953 Ferrari 340/375 M Berlinetta Competizione - $5.8 million

9 - 1953 Ferrari 340/375 M Berlinetta Competizione - $5.8 million

This was not only a pure race care, this was the car that won the 1953 24 Hrs Le Man for Ferrari. It went under the hammer at a special auction at Ferrari'sMaranello factory. 

8 - 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $6.2 million

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $6.2 million

8 - 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $6.2 million

One of the rarest cars ever made. Only 36 were made and not many have survived. This model was sold in 1991 in Las Vegas. It was the last known sale of a GTO anywhere in the world. If one came up for auction today, some claim one would fetch upwards of £20million. 

7 - 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyager - $6.5 million

7 - 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyager - $6.5 million

7 - 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyager - $6.5 million

Bill Harrah sold this !931 Bugatti in Reno in 1986 at an evening auction just for classic Bugatti's. It came from his 1400 car collection and is regarded by many as one of the finest ever made. 

6 - Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater - $7.25 million

6 - Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater - $7.25 million

6 - Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater - $7.25 million

London, late 2007, this Rolls Royce not only became the most expensive pre 1905 car ever sold, it also became the most expensive Rolls Royce ever sold.

5 - 1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK - $7.4 million

5 - 1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK - $7.4 million

5 - 1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK - $7.4 million

One of only 33 ever made by Mercedes Benz. This SSK Sold in Suffolk, UK back in 2004, making it at the time the most expensive Mercedes in the world. 

4 - 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $8.2 million

4 - 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $8.2 million

4 - 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $8.2 million

3 years after the SSK sold, this fine example of a '37 540K Special was put up for auction by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. It set a new record for a Mercedes Benz by outselling the SSK by $800,000.

3 - 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa - $9.2 million

3 - 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa - $9.2 million

3 - 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa - $9.2 million

Another classic Ferrair to be sold at the 2007 Maranello factory auction (1953 Ferrari 340/375 M Berlinetta Competizione), this one however was the very last race car Ferrari used with a front mounted engine. It was driven in the 1962 24hrs Le Mans by Phil Hil and Oliver Glendebien.

2 - 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe - $9.7 million

1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe - $9.7 million

2 - 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe - $9.7 million

Being one of only 6 ever made, and featuring a 12.7 li engine (meant for an aircraft!) This Bugatti sold at a special Christie's auction at the Royal Albert Hall in London 1987. In today's markey it could well be worth double that figure. 

1 - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder - $10.9 million

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder - $10.9 million

1 - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder - $10.9 million

The 1961 California Spyder is regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Of the 36 ever made. In 2008 this perfect model was put up for auction by former owner, Oscar winning actor, James Coburn. It was bought by British Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans for the staggering £10.9million to become the most expensive car ever.