from Dr. Bill [wwh]:

I have been a bit surprised by my dogs
paying so little attention to images on TV.
You might stimulate some interesting speculations from
members about this. I remember from when I was a kid
phonograph ad "His Master's Voice" showing dog with his
head cocked to one side, allegedly recongnizing his
master's voice on a phonograph record. I think that was
a hoax.

ASIDE: Dr. Bill's PM containing this message carried the subject line trompe l;oeil. Was that wink a typo, Dr. Bill? Or part of the message? [I think it was part of the message. Very clever, wwh. I see that you're up to your old tricks.* :) ]

Now BBC gives pets their own station
Guardian Unlimited
Pet correspondent
Thursday April 29, 2004

A spokeswoman for Crufts organiser The Kennel Club said: "We are all for anything that educates people about responsible ownership --- ."

She added that dogs cannot actually watch TV, but do respond to the sound of programmes.

"Dogs will listen to what's on TV, but can't watch, as their eyesight doesn't allow it. But dogs will sit up and listen if they here other dogs barking on TV, or sheep," the Kennel Club spokeswoman said.

http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,14173,1205963,00.html

More about "Pet TV"

Pet TV can be tried out on dogs, cats, birds and even fish, according to the BBC.

"It's a unique opportunity to find out if we really do have a nation of pet telly addicts, and if so, what are the pets' favourite shows," the BBC said.

"Do pets pick up messages from the television? See if they respond to dogs barking, wolves howling, parrots talking in English. The sound of running water might attract your fish to the screen, and the sight of fish swimming around a tank might attract your cat to the television more than the sight of mice," it said in a press statement.

How are they going to do a Neilsen Rating on "Pet TV", Dr. Bill? The advertisers will never pay for the survey.

* They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But an old dog can teach us some new ones. :)