Dogs do another good deed

St. Bernards, Seeing Eye dogs, cadaver dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs — for eons the canine community has helped the human community find its way through the world. Now, it appears dogs have a chance to do another good turn for people. According to a study by K. Gordon Lark and his colleagues at the University of Utah, dog genetics — including the recently published virtual complete decoding of dog DNA — may be the key for helping people with problems ranging from diabetes to behavioral disorders. Man and dog, it seems, share more than 300 genetic diseases. Apparently mutts and man get along so well because they're made of the same stuff.

According to the study, the purebred nature of certain dogs can help to reduce the variables in a test and create worthwhile data. Also, the diversity of the canine kingdom means certain breeds of dog can be earmarked for specific studies. Dogs also will benefit. What works for human beings can be used to help pets cope with problems.

For now the Portuguese water dog is getting a lot of strokes for being a key breed in the research. So watch the pet stores. With Dalmatians and Jack Russell terriers slowly wearing out their welcome, dog lovers may soon need a new breed to champion. And any dog that can cure cancer is bound to be popular.

Of course, the fact dogs are — again — in a position to come to the aid of people is hardly news. It's pretty much a dog-sniffs-man story. But the new twist that includes a doggy double-helix will likely give the story legs. After that, geneticists say, they'll press ahead and study foxes. But the commotion will hardly be as great. Unlike dogs, foxes have a hard time winning hearts. You can't trust them. But a dog? There's a reason dogs are called "Fido." It comes from "fidelity." Mark Twain may have put it best when he said, "Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."

Most dog owners would concur.

As for this new medical breakthrough, it's just too bad it didn't come around in time to save Old Yeller.