Bear’s Television Research Project

Now, don’t get me wrong. I already know he supervises my office, keeps track of my snack schedule, reminds me when it’s time to play, and serves as my full-time emotional support specialist. Those are all very important responsibilities.

But recently, he apparently decided to become a television researcher as well.

This week, as we settled down to watch my favorite program, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch. If you’ve never seen it, the show explores one of the most mysterious places in America, where scientists use sophisticated equipment to investigate unusual phenomena in the bubble over the triangle, at the Command Center, Homestead Two, Homestead Three, the Mesa, and in the skies. My favorite member of the team is astrophysicist Dr. Travis Taylor, who has an incredible ability to explain complicated science in ways that ordinary people, like me, can actually understand.

As Dr. Taylor began describing the latest experiment, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye.

Of course, I couldn’t resist wondering what was going through his mind.

After all, dogs experience the world through senses we can barely imagine. Their noses detect things we never notice, their hearing reaches frequencies we cannot hear, and they often seem aware of changes around them long before we are.

Maybe Bear wasn’t just watching television. Maybe he was evaluating the team of investigators’ techniques.

As the program continued, he remained quietly focused, looking every bit like the newest member of the research team. I half expected him to walk over to the television, tap the screen with his paw, and point out something everyone else had missed.

And if The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch ever needs one more investigator, I know a beautiful golden retriever who would happily volunteer. William, the ranch dog, may enjoy an investigative cohort.

Bear’s payment requirements are very reasonable. One comfortable couch. A few tennis… excuse me… yellow rubber balls nearby. And, naturally, a couple of treats for every scientific breakthrough.