I am a firm believer in the old theory that people tend to resemble their pets. Or, to put it another way, pets sometimes look like their people.

This is especially true for dogs, I think. Nobody resembles  a cat; there’s something about the big, round head and flattened face of a cat that humans have trouble imitating.

Dogs are easy, though, as I learned in chemistry class many years ago. This was one of those huge college lectures where students sit in an elevated semicircle with stairs leading down to the stage where the professor holds sway.

Class was about to convene when the girl next to me said,  “Have you heard about the theory that people look like their pets? It’s true, and I’ll bet you anything our professor has a German shepherd.”

That’s absurd, I thought. Who ever heard of people looking like their dogs?

I kept my mouth shut, though, and glanced down at the stage where our instructor was adjusting her microphone. Sure enough, the chemistry professor’s short black hair, with a tinge of gray near her muzzle, gave a definite likeness to a German shepherd!
A veterinarian might have guessed the professor to be around five years old: No longer a pup, but still strong in the jaws and alert of eye. I would think twice before turning my back on her.

Then, I glanced at the co-ed who made this outrageous connection. With her rounded face and long, fluffy hair, this girl was a dead ringer for a cocker spaniel. I could imagine her romping through the fields, chasing meadowlarks, sniffing the wind and rolling in the cockleburs. I worried about her temperament and wondered if she might snap at a person who said the wrong thing.

Then I remembered my old beagle Smokey, with his short, stubby legs and wry little grin. I always felt sorry for Smokey. Some days even the rabbits laughed at him.

Soon I had forgotten all about chemistry, and was wondering if people might have similarities to other livestock, as well as their dogs. Are horse owners generally strong and athletic? Beef producers tough and determined?

What about folks who raise rabbits? (I don’t even want to know.)
I’m sure this theory could be carried too far. There must be some very nice folks raising alligators. And hog producers I’ve known are generally rather skinny.

Sheep ranchers are the most independent people in the world, and some fish farmers are afraid of the water. Even the dog-and-people theory is far from foolproof.

I know a few folks might be offended at being compared to a dumb animal, such as their dog. But let’s face it – some of the dogs probably aren’t really thrilled about it, either.

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Pond may write to him in care of this publication.