Dogs Descended from Two Populations of Ancient Grey Wolves, Study Finds

Photo: Getty (2) Scientists have found that our canine companions are descendants of two different populations of wolves. “The largest amount of this second source of ancestry is found in an ancient dog that is 7,000 years old, from Israel,” said Dr. Anders Bergström, an author of the study from the Francis Crick Institute, according toThe Guardian. Bergström added that the DNA from the western grey wolves is most commonly found in dogs from the Middle East and Africa, such as the Basenji breed.

Dogs in Abuse Case Up for Adoption After Rescue from Deplorable Conditions: 'You Couldn't Even Recognize Them'

Photo:WTAJ News/ YouTube WTAJ News/ YouTube Three dogs in Pennsylvania have a new lease on life after being rescued. The canines had been part of an animal abuse and hoarding case, in which a couple, identified as Nyal and Renee Piper, were accused of taking in dozens of animals and neglecting them, according toWTAJand theAssociated Press. The three dogs — a Bernese Mountain dog and two other small dog breeds — were found in the couple’s Johnstown, Penn home and brought to the Bedford County Humane Society.

Dogs in Shelter for Weeks Enjoy Valentine's Day Photo Shoot in Hopes of Finally Finding Homes

Long-stay dogs at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey.Photo:Courtesy of Dubinsky Photos Courtesy of Dubinsky Photos Dozens of dogs atSt. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Centerin Madison, New Jersey, are searching for love on Valentine’s Day. For the love-filled holiday, the rescue decided to highlight the canine residents who have been with St. Hubert’s the longest. The special group of shelter dogs, who have been under St. Hubert’s care for weeks or months, were treated to their ownValentine’s Dayphotoshoot withphotographer Kelsey Dubinsky.

Dogs Shed Actual Tears of Joy When Reunited with Their Owners, Study Finds

Photo: getty Dogs have once again proven to be human’s best friend. “We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions,” said the study’s author Takefumi Kikusui in astatement, noting that the tears may be due to a release of oxytocin. Kikusui, a professor at the Laboratory of Human-Animal Interaction and Reciprocity at Azabu University in Japan, made the discovery after one of his poodles gave birth six years ago, and tears began welling up in her eyes as she nursed.

Dogs that Killed Grandmother While She Visited Grandson Were XL Bullies, Banned in England

Esther Martin.Photo:Essex Police/Facebook Essex Police/Facebook Police have confirmed that the two dogs that killed a grandmother in the U.K. while she was visiting her grandson were XL Bullies, a breed that was banned in England and Wales in December 2023. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offenses and released on bail until March, according to police. “I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved here, but it was really important we got that information right and established the facts,” said Chief Superintendent Stuart Weaver in a statement.