A recent eLIFE study that found "two dog owners who don't even know each other have about as many of the
skin bacteria in common as a married couple living together…consistent with a common occurrence of oral–skin transfer between dogs and their owners," aka doggie kisses.
The bacteria is harmless and may actually boost the immune system. Not surprisingly, there was no "analogous germ signature for cat owners."
The study reminded me of one of my favorite dog paintings of one of my favorite people, Sarah Bibb, friend, fashion designer, and owner of the the lovely Folly boutique in Portland, Oregon. The intimacy of dog and owner that many of us share doesn't always find it's way into pet portraits.
The artist is actress Kristin Bauer of HBO's True Blood. Visit her website to see more of her work.
Hat tip to Gregory Han.
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