Hi collaborator!

Long before Muggins, I lived with a clever black Lab named Gabi and a fluffy German Shepherd named Ziko. They loved to snack on frozen kongs filled with banana and peanut butter.

Unfortunately for Ziko, Gabi would always finish first and then she would walk over to Ziko and stand over him as he fumbled with his frozen treat. Ziko would look up, lick Gabi on the face, and then Gabi would steal the kong and happily trot away.

As I watched them, I wondered why Ziko would lick Gabi’s face just before she stole the prize. What was the significance of that lick?

I’ve since developed awareness that dogs are extremely intentional with their communication. They can also be diplomatic, courteous, forgiving, and kind.

Ziko was all of the above.

Despite outweighing Gabi by 25 lbs, Ziko gently licked Gabi to let her know that he wasn’t upset, and that she could take his kong.

Recently, Elizabeth Holbrook, a writer, editor, and rescue dog parent, reached out to me to collab on an article about why dogs lick each other. I was delighted to recall the sweet dynamic between Gabi and Ziko as I wrote my notes.

For an illuminating exploration of dog-licking behavior, check out the article below!