It has been long accepted that the close relationship between humans and dogs comes from a lengthy history of teamwork and companionship that goes back to our earliest ancestors.  New evidence in DNA analyses suggests that dogs may have been domesticated by humans as long as 100,000 years ago.  In fact, human beings' relationship with dogs may have given us a significant survival advantage.  With their exceptional hearing they warned us of danger.  With their advanced sense of smell, they helped us track and hunt for food.  And sometimes, our canine friends loyally protect us with senses that defy explanation.

     One day, while several members of the Herrera family were talking and visiting with Peter Hurd, a ranch truck began to roll backward toward one of the Herrera children who was playing on the ground.  Seeing that the humans weren't paying attention, Popo, decided to take things into his own paws.  Grabbing the baby's diaper in his teeth, Popo dragged the baby out of the path of the moving vehicle.  Popo earned himself a juicy steak that night!  No wonder they call him "man's best friend."