Barking at the Knot

Understanding the hidden history of animal services

“Efforts Increase To Save Unlicensed Dogs”

This week in Barking at the Knot, I’m offering a complete reprinting of a New York Times article from 1984 which takes a look at the state of animal shelters on Long Island. This piece gives a thorough snapshot of one location during a pivotal point in time in animal shelters, 1984.

Audrey Lodato

July 28, 2025

Animal Welfare

animal control, Animal sheltering, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animals, dogs, historical policy, history, hydrophobia, long island, new york times, Rabies, writing
Dog Attacks Man with Bomb (or How Storytelling Shaped the Humane Movement)

One tactic used to endear people to animals in encouragement for more humane treatment was to demonstrate their similarities to people by telling stories about them acting similarly. Particularly, that the benefits of kind treatment often resulted in demonstrations of extreme loyalty and heroism. Check out a few of my favorite examples.

Audrey Lodato

June 23, 2025

1900s, Animal Welfare

american history, animal control, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animals, books, Culture, dogs, history, horses, Humane Movement, Livesaving, Periodicals, pets, stories, storytelling, writing