If you absolutely have to remember something, tell a dog.
I’m serious; they’ve got your back.
Yesterday Rory Dog and I flew to Boston. I’m working there this week, and since we lived there for seven years, I brought Rory along to visit with friends.
Now, it’s been over four years and two apartments since we lived in Boston, but as soon as we arrived at my friend’s place, Rory was trying to walk me around the city. This morning, he immediately took off on our old route through the Public Garden, Boston Common and our old neighborhood, Beacon Hill. No doubt his nose was pointed toward the shops we used to frequent, the friends who used to give him treats along the way.
And Rory is no spring chicken, either. My puppy turns 12 this December, but his mind — and memory — seem as sharp as ever.
I went online to see just how impressive this behavior was. Turns out that, although Rory is the bestest dog ever, his memory skills are fairly typical for a dog. They all have spatial memory of places, especially if food is involved.
And since Rory got a treat from somebody on pretty much every walk he ever took in Boston, I’m guessing these streets are burned in his doggie brain.
Hmmm…wonder if food will help my memory? I’m certainly game to try.
Isn’t that amazing? How places and things are burned into their memory by smells. I’ve always thought about the stories you hear about a family that has moved thousands of miles away only to have their dog return back to their old home. That has always astounded me!