Usually on Thankful Thursday I write about things in my life here at the zoo that we are thankful for, but today, I am reblogging a story from DogFiles, because I think it is a wonderful and generous and something that should be shared. – DogDaz
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Moscow’s Wild Dogs Ride Subways To City Center In Search Of Food
Each morning, like clockwork, they board the subway, off to begin their daily routine amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
But these aren’t just any daily commuters. These are stray dogs who live in the outskirts of Moscow Russia and commute on the underground trains to and from the city centre in search of food scraps.
Then after a hard day scavenging and begging on the streets, they hop back on the train and return to the suburbs where they spend the night.
Experts studying the dogs, who usually choose the quietest carriages at the front and back of the train, say they even work together to make sure they get off at the right stop – after learning to judge the length of time they need to spend on the train.
Scientists believe this phenomenon began after the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, and Russia’s new capitalists moved industrial complexes from the city centre to the suburbs.
Dr Andrei Poiarkov, of the Moscow Ecology and Evolution Institute, said: “These complexes were used by homeless dogs as shelters, so the dogs had to move together with their houses. Because the best scavenging for food is in the city centre, the dogs had to learn how to travel on the subway – to get to the centre in the morning, then back home in the evening, just like people.”
Dr Poiarkov told how the dogs like to play during their daily commute. He said: “They jump on the train seconds before the doors shut, risking their tails getting jammed. They do it for fun. And sometimes they fall asleep and get off at the wrong stop.”
The dogs have also amazingly learned to use traffic lights to cross the road safely, said Dr Poiarkov. And they use cunning tactics to obtain tasty morsels of shawarma, a kebab-like snack popular in Moscow.
With children the dogs “play cute” by putting their heads on youngsters’ knees and staring pleadingly into their eyes to win sympathy – and scraps.
Dr Poiarkov added: “Dogs are surprisingly good psychologists.”
Reblogged from DogFiles
I am thankful for the people of Moscow that allow these strays to live a complete life. What are you thankful for?
This is part of the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop from PepiSmartDog.com
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
DogDaz Zoo 
mythreemoggies
April 25, 2013 at 02:40
What an amazing post x
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 07:13
I wonder if cats would do that. But they can find food almost anywhere, I think.
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Misaki
April 25, 2013 at 05:03
Great post!
ps, I’ve given you an award:-) http://wp.me/p2h87n-QA
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 07:12
Woowowowowwwwooof. Thanks.
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bumpyroadtobubba
April 25, 2013 at 05:58
I just had to read this again. I love it!
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 07:12
Such a sweet thing. Smart dogs
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Genevieve Petrillo
April 25, 2013 at 06:26
So much fun. I think I’d ride the subway all day just to see them and feed them and play with them. Sweet!
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 07:12
me too!
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barkandchatter
April 25, 2013 at 08:35
Dogs are the best psychologists! I’m impressed by the expressions on the faces of the train passengers – they’re not bothered or annoyed by having to share their ride with stray dogs. What a great story!
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 09:05
I agree and I just had to share because I thought it was amazing
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Vicki Flaherty
April 25, 2013 at 09:20
Oh, yes, this is indeed something to be thankful for. So sweet. My furry little fellow psychologists! 🙂
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 09:47
You are smart like a dog 🙂
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easyweimaraner
April 25, 2013 at 11:47
I agree we are psychologists … the best on earth – great post :o) I’m thankful for having a home… and for my toothpaste with liversausage :o)
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 12:54
wow – sounds yummy
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ilovecats
April 25, 2013 at 22:20
How awesome. I’m thankful for the people letting those dogs live like that. It would be interesting to ride the metro with a dog that belongs to no one.. poor things.
I wanted to drop by and give you the WP family award.. I love reading your blogs and I wanted to share the award.. http://peacelovenwhiskers.com/about/awards/ (please click the link to collect). Thank you.
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dogdaz
April 25, 2013 at 23:27
Thank you thank you thank you so much. I appreciate the wonderful award.
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Bassa's Blog
April 27, 2013 at 08:52
Amazingly resourceful! Thank you for sharing such an interesting story.
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dogdaz
April 27, 2013 at 22:56
What I think is so neat is that the people do not try to stop them. Here in the states, they would be rounded up and put in high kill shelters.
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