RANDOM RUN-INS Meet Ventana

By Penny Lex

Named after the small fishing village in La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where she was rescued as a pup, Ventana is now four years old and living the good life here in Arizona.

Ventana came from a litter of 13 found on the streets of Baja and was pretty much destined for life as a feral. But thanks to a humane society in La Ventana, Bark for Baja, Ventana and her siblings were rescued and given good care. “When I first came into contact with Ventana’s litter, they were far healthier than most you tend to see in that area,” said Hayley, Ventana’s human mom. “The mother was still present, feeding, and the litter was in great shape. When you encounter these street dogs when they’re that young, there is still a lot of time to get them the necessary help they need before any of them get sick or breed too young.”

According to Hayley, feral dogs in Mexico have a unique “look.” “They’re usually so mixed with so many breeds, but sometimes you can pinpoint out a few features that allow you to guess certain ones. Never with 100 percent accuracy though.” Hayley was shocked to learn that recent DNA results revealed that Ventana is predominantly a Labrador Retriever and American Pit Bull Terrier mix, as well as 12 percent German Shepherd and 10 percent Boxer. She was even more surprised when she learned that one of Ventana’s sisters, Sunshine, received the exact same report.

Since Hayley knew who adopted one of Ventana’s brothers, a playdate was arranged for their reunion. “Ventana first saw her brother, Joe, while she was still in the car, recognized him immediately, and went crazy wild. The two were so excited to see each other. They romped and rolled and had so much fun together.”

People are surprised when Hayley tells them her dog’s age because she still has the energy of a puppy. “Ventana is extremely loving and supportive but can also be extremely independent and silly.”

Ventana appreciates a good, long hike and loves to go for walks around the lake in Fountain Hills. Taking a dip in the pool or a lake holds no appeal but…a leisurely boat ride? Ventana is all in. She maintains her svelte stature by chasing with her four-legged buddies at the local dog park. And her gleaming coat? Raw eggs.

You know you’ve earned Ventana’s trust and approval when she plants one paw on top of your foot—a true testament of her acceptance. When it comes to character, Hayley expresses that “loyalty” is dominant. “She is exceptionally loyal. Not only to me, but to all those who have shown her love and attention. She knows who her people are and shows appreciation every day. I truly believe these dogs…rescues…know where they came from and know they have a much better life without having to fend for themselves on the streets.” kids between the ages of eight and ten interact with dogs. When children sign up for three, 90-minute sessions, they come in with their family pooch. Then they play with MacLean’s dog, Sisu—an older Labrador Retriever who was released from Canine Companions in Santa Rosa, California.

Before, during, and after each activity, researchers take saliva and urine samples to look for a stress-related hormone called cortisol. They are also looking for oxytocin—a bonding hormone involved in interactions between romantic partners or breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Studies suggest that both dogs and humans release oxytocin when they interact with each other.

Payment for the child-dog interaction study is $150 and three kid’s toys (each a $10 value).

Science and you

MacLean and colleagues have not published anything yet that suggests changing the way people interact with their dogs. He explains that science is a cumulative process and that decisions are rarely based on a single study, but rather made on a body of evidence that all point in the same direction.

Stay tuned though because with canine cognition studies across the nation continuing to be on the rise, dog lovers can look forward to new insights on their pet’s behavior in knowing more about how their mind works.

Anyone with a dog of any age, breed, or gender is welcome to sign up for ACCC’s database. They are interested in all dogs. For more information on ACCC or to sign up for a study, visit dogs.arizona.edu.

Cherese Cobb is a professional writer and photographer from Tennessee. When she›s not penning copy for magazines and blogs, she splits her time between family, nature, and cat-worship, and chugs coffee to survive all three.