Most dogs can do something special. But there’s only one dog like Tucker: he is said to be world’s only whale-tracking dog, according to a recent New York Times article. The black lab mix has a nose for orca scat (feces), which contains valuable information for researchers. Here’s a snippet from the article.

“For Tucker, though, it mostly comes down to his ball toy, which he plays with in exuberant, wild abandon, tossing it into the air and staging crouched bouts of tug of war with Ms. Seely. When a fecal sample is found, the researchers carry it toward him and then substitute the ball at the last second, reinforcing the connection between work and reward.”

Learn more about Tucker and see him in action in this fascinating video. And see more photos of Tucker here.

[Via Tracking a Subtle Scent, a Dog May Help Save the Whales]

Photo Credit: Matthew Ryan Williams for The New York Times.

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It seems like we hear about an unbelievable dog rescue story every couple of weeks. Add this one to the list.

On December 27 Barbara Bagley was in critically injured in a car accident that killed her husband. Her 4-year-old Shetland sheepdog Dooley (pictured right) bolted from the scene. Bagley, who suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a shattered wrist and two punctured lungs, never gave up hope that Dooley would be found safe in the Nevada desert. Her other pup Delaney (pictured left) was killed in the crash.

On January 6, before a search for Dooley began, what appeared to be the dog’s remains were discovered by the interstate, about 225 miles east of Reno. Bagley’s husband died from his injuries the same day. More than three weeks later, someone reported seeing a “Lassie-type dog” near the scene. Eventually, on February 18, Dooley was tracked down and rescued–53 days after the accident. He had survived on roadkill and scattered water sources. He lost 24 pounds. Dooley’s return has dramatically improved his owner’s mood. Here’s more from the Associated Press:

While Ms Bagley is still going through the grieving process over her husband’s death and recovering from her injuries, Dooley’s presence has picked up her spirits immensely.

‘He’s the physical and mental affection that I need to recover,’ she said. 

‘I owe him so much for the hope I have now and the renewed faith I have in prayer. Dogs are so great because of their unconditional love.’