The Science of Stephen King

There’s an estimated seventy-seven million dogs as pets in the United States.3

We see dogs as our domesticated best friends but they weren’t always viewed in this way. To understand more about how our perception of dogs evolved into what it is today we spoke with former science teacher (and Kelly’s dad) Robert Maki about the history of dogs.

Meg:“The theory of evolution of dogs begins with wolves becoming domesticated. Can you explain how this came about genetically?”

Robert Maki: “I believe a genetic mutation occurred in the past that led to a more passive wolf. This ‘friendlier’ wolf must have mated with other wolves with similar genetic traits. Watching a NOVA (1974-) special on PBS a while back, I believe they said that three genes are different with the wilder wolves and the friendlier wolves. The friendlier wolves eventually became domesticated dogs.”

Kelly:“Some scientists theorize that humans began domesticating dogs as far back as twenty thousand years ago while others claim that it is more recent than that. When do you believe this domestication occurred?”

Robert Maki: “I think the domestication took place more recently than twenty thousand years ago.”

Kelly:“Why do you think that?”

Robert Maki: “Lone wolves, not in a pack, came to campsites with a ‘friendly’ demeanor looking for food. The lone wolves met and bred with other lone wolves who had similar less aggressive characteristics. These wolves/dogs became helpers for tracking prey, warning of intruders, companions, and protection.”

Pure wolves are illegal to keep as a pet and are protected under endangered wildlife species regulation.4

Meg:“What are the theories about how dogs began to interact with early humans? What was their relationship like?”

Robert Maki: “I believe that early interaction started with food. A wolf probably smelled the cooking venison or rabbit and investigated what the smell was. When the wolf visits didn’t result in a dangerous situation, the wolves became less afraid. If early humans gave the wolves food, a bond was beginning.”

Meg:“Have you had dogs as pets in your life? What were some of your favorites?”

Robert Maki: “All my life I have been around dogs. My first dog was a female cocker spaniel named Cindy. I had her for many years. We slept together and played together. My sheets and blankets were usually full of chew holes.”

Meg: “I can relate to that! I’ve had more than a few blankets destroyed by one of my dogs.”

Robert Maki: “I was going to college when Cindy was hit by a car. I still remember burying her in the woods.”

Kelly: “That first pet death is the worst! It’s like losing a member of the family.”

Robert Maki: “I was heartbroken. Most of our dogs were given to us by people who couldn’t keep them or we found dogs who had been abandoned, or they found us! My favorite dog in my adult life was Huckleberry, a husky mix. He was very friendly and affectionate to me, although he sometimes scared other people. Every winter he would go cross-country skiing with me for hours at a time. We did everything together. In our pickup, he would sit next to me and put his chin on my shoulder. He was friendly to our cats and spent a lot of time grooming them.”

Kelly: “I loved that dog!”

Kelly:“I grew up knowing who Stephen King was because we watchedThe Shiningtogether when I was in the first grade. When was the first time you remember reading a Stephen King book or watching one of his movie adaptations? What was that experience like?”

Robert Maki: “I have always liked Stephen King books and movies. The Shining, Cujo, Carrie, The Green Mile, Christine, and Pet Semetary were some of my favorites. I always enjoyed getting goosebumps on my arms during a scary part of a book or movie.”