Lest we take the expression "man's best friend" too literally, we got word this summer that as far back as 8,000 years ago at least some women from the Early Neolithic period, and likely their children too, lived very dog-centric lives.

They ate some of the same food as did dogs, and even had some of the same illnesses. Researchers suggested the women possibly were closely involved with feeding and caring for the ancient pups. Men, women ... dogs don't care; they're all-in for good owners either way.