This week, we look at the escalation of far-right violent rhetoric in the wake of the Trump search. Plus, a major clue in the mystery behind one island’s wild ponies.
Scott’s weekly weigh-in
A good weekend to you. I have recently been entrusted by my family with feeding, walking and following our French poodle, Daisy, with small plastic bags (this last item just confirms for Daisy that everything she does is precious). We routinely stop at an outpost along the river of a certain commercial coffee company that is headquartered in Seattle. I have an oat milk latte (truly an NPR stereotype) and order a yogurt for Daisy to slurp.
I have noticed that whenever we go for a walk and Daisy sees another one of these coffee franchises, she tugs on her leash toward it — although it’s really her leash for me, isn’t it? I began to wonder: has Daisy learned how to read the word Starbucks? Not just Proust?
For an expert opinion, I consulted Dr. Carrie Jurney, DVM, of San Francisco. We reported a poignant story at her surgical practice in 2019, to understand the emotional challenges of being a veterinarian (which have increased during the pandemic). Dr. Jurney said she welcomed this “charming distraction” on the cognitive skills of dogs.
“We know from research studies that dog's typically have the intelligence level of a small child,” she told us. “Some of the smartest dogs have the intelligence level of a 4-year-old human. They can learn hundreds of words, learn dozens of commands, all in the service of pleasing their people. So in short, yes, I think Daisy knows Starbucks and she treasures her time with you and your yogurt.”
Dr. Jurney’s subtle and delightful reply reminded me of what she told us was an essential characteristic to be a successful vet. “You treat the person with their arms around their pet,” she said, “as much as you treat the pet.”
I’ll sip my latte now, while Daisy dips back into Proust.
Scott Simon is one of NPR's most renowned news anchors. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and one of the hosts of the morning news podcast Up First. Be sure to listen to him every Saturday on your local NPR station, and follow him on Twitter.
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