Althouse: Dogs in the sunroom.

September 10, 2012

Dogs in the sunroom.

Joey and Bingo drop by for a visit.

72 comments:

Tim said...: Those photos need more Welsh Terrier.; 9/10/12, 11:41 AM
Meade said...: Bingo is nobody's empty chair. Make his day? Easy - a biscuit and a comfy nap.; 9/10/12, 11:44 AM
edutcher said...: They're getting to you, but you need something smaller.; 9/10/12, 11:51 AM
John Richardson said...: Looks like someone made himself right at home!; 9/10/12, 11:55 AM
Tim said...: "...but you need something smaller."

Welsh Terrier.

Smaller.

Cuter.

More personality.

As far as dogs go, none are better.

That's just an objective fact.; 9/10/12, 11:56 AM
m stone said...: The second step to getting a dog of your own is allowing other dogs to lie on your furniture.; 9/10/12, 12:00 PM
Meade said...: "As far as dogs go, none are better.
That's just an objective fact."

More Gentle, Intelligent, Good-tempered, Kind, and Outgoing than Bingo and Joey? I beg to differ.; 9/10/12, 12:03 PM
edutcher said...: Tim said...

....but you need something smaller.

Welsh Terrier.

No, Yorkie, but just one.; 9/10/12, 12:06 PM
F said...: Get a real dog, not one of those designer pooches such as certain readers are pressing on you. If a dog's shoulders are not at your knee level, it's not a real dog.; 9/10/12, 12:08 PM
Meade said...: No. As with children - two or more. Never only one. That's cruel.; 9/10/12, 12:09 PM
Irene said...: wag, wag, wag; 9/10/12, 12:09 PM
garage mahal said...: Here is my choco. Almost 1 year old!; 9/10/12, 12:12 PM
edutcher said...: F said...

Get a real dog, not one of those designer pooches such as certain readers are pressing on you. If a dog's shoulders are not at your knee level, it's not a real dog.

Yorks are ratters by breeding; they don't scare, are very smart, and they're great watch dogs.

And they're not a pain to walk or wash.

Irene said...

wag, wag, wag

Sherlock says, "ref, ref".; 9/10/12, 12:16 PM
Irene said...: Hello, Sherlock!; 9/10/12, 12:17 PM
Aridog said...: Tim sez ... As far as dogs go, none are better.

Unless you're a Doberman, German Shepherd, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Malinois, Rough Collie, or Border Collie. :-))

Among the noted "aggressive" (protective) breeds, the Doberman takes undeserved heat...the can be the best of friends and companions with the gentlest natures, provoked only if you/they are attacked, literally.; 9/10/12, 12:24 PM
Meade said...: "Unless you're a Doberman, German Shepherd, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Malinois, Rough Collie, or Border Collie. :-))"

And of course only one of those breeds will - without concern for its own safety or comfort - leap into a lake and swim like a champion to fish your toddler or grand toddler back to shore.; 9/10/12, 12:27 PM
Meade said...: Or your tennis ball.; 9/10/12, 12:28 PM
Nonapod said...: Labs are the best. They're the most popular breed of dog for a reason.; 9/10/12, 12:28 PM
Aridog said...: Meade said...No. As with children - two or more. Never only one. That's cruel.

Two for surefor non-stop playtime.; 9/10/12, 12:39 PM
garage mahal said...: And of course only one of those breeds will - without concern for its own safety or comfort - leap into a lake and swim like a champion to fish your toddler or grand toddler back to shore.

Indeed.; 9/10/12, 12:45 PM
tiger said...: Aridog said...
Meade said...No. As with children - two or more. Never only one. That's cruel.

Two for surefor non-stop playtime.

Nonstop dominance games to be exact.

Don't anthropomorphize(sp) them. They are seeking pack status.

And I say that as a dog guy.; 9/10/12, 12:48 PM
Aridog said...: Meade ... oddly, one of our German Shepherds would retrieve a human in distress in water ... or a tennis ball, or preferably a large "Jolly Ball. That is our "Ari" the dog in my avatar. He is extremely responsive to human signs or sounds of distress, or aggression, and will respond accordingly. He swims like a fish, even against currents, and loves the water...meaning with his long hair coat he is a mess to dry off.

"Ari" is a dog like no other we've had, bar none...including his over-sized frame and long hair coat.; 9/10/12, 12:58 PM
Aridog said...: tiger said...

Nonstop dominance games to be exact...Don't anthropomorphize(sp) them.

Uh, excuse me, you suppose I am not aware of that? A dog and horse guy here for a few decades now. Being aware of behavior traits is NOT anthropomorphizing. A bit of experience with wolves and wolf hybrids as well...not to mention Schutzhund trials.

Wolves play the Alpha to Omega dominance "games" continuously too...it IS a canine thing....and it IS a game. That behavior in the photograph has been an almost nightly occurrence at my feet for years....any doubt about who was "Apha" here log ago settled with finality. It is play. Related to dominance, but not a contest for it. Cheek chewing and "wolf grinning" is also associated with submission, as I presume you know as a dog guy.

The Omega is frequently the play instigator among pack members, other than with the Alpha, and there fore it is in fact "play" per se, since the Omega already knows its place.; 9/10/12, 1:13 PM
rhhardin said...: Dog supervising this morning's lawn scything.; 9/10/12, 1:17 PM
The Cracker Emcee Refulgent said...: Dachshunds! Selfish, stubborn, difficult to train, and my favorites in a lifetime of dog ownership. The most anthropomorphic of any breed I've encountered.; 9/10/12, 1:21 PM
Rabel said...: Not to go all PETA and judgemental on you, but you might consider mentioning to the owner that those happy, well-cared-for doggies would be even happier if he removed the prong collars when they weren't needed. They've had them on in every photo.

I used one to train my German Shepherd many years ago, very effective during training sessions. Then off with it after training.

Sorry for the nosy moralizing, but thought it was worth mentioning.; 9/10/12, 1:25 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: I have a Seagate external drive that is giving me problems.. its past the return window of course..

I bought it to bkup my extensive music files.. and it was cheap.

If you are ever in the market... I do not recommend Seagate.; 9/10/12, 1:35 PM
Methadras said...: Tim said...

"...but you need something smaller."

Welsh Terrier.

Smaller.

Cuter.

More personality.

As far as dogs go, none are better.

That's just an objective fact.

Boxers. nuff said.; 9/10/12, 1:47 PM
Aridog said...: Lem said...

I have a Seagate external drive that is giving me problems...

Me too...we've got three here, and two of them forever seem to lose connectivity via USB2.

The one that seems to function properly is the one I removed every single bit of Seagate crap software from while installing...it's now just a SATA drive, period. So far it works.

Of course, now that I've said that ... I figure the good one will crap out post haste, too. :-(; 9/10/12, 1:48 PM
Ann Althouse said...: "And of course only one of those breeds will - without concern for its own safety or comfort - leap into a lake and swim like a champion to fish your toddler or grand toddler back to shore."

They had better be *your* kids of 24 hours later, the police are at your door charging you with disorderly conduct because those people over there who were watching from their deck got the creeps.; 9/10/12, 1:49 PM
Methadras said...: tiger said...

Aridog said...
Meade said...No. As with children - two or more. Never only one. That's cruel.

Two for surefor non-stop playtime.

Nonstop dominance games to be exact.

Don't anthropomorphize(sp) them. They are seeking pack status.

And I say that as a dog guy

I agree. My boxer, Bucky only had one friend mate and that was our first Boxer, Tink. She was 7 when we got him as a pup. He's now 8 and she is waiting for us on the other side. However, the attempts to socialize him to other dogs is not going so well. I've always been the alpha, but he refuses to defer to other dogs. No problems going to dog beach and having him run around in the pacific with other dogs around. Other dogs come to want to play and he chases them for a little but and they all run around together, but that only lasts for so long until he wants to dominate them and then that's when I have to step in to stop him.

He's given us more than a hint that having another dog around without some serious rehabilitation on my part is going to be a non-starter and that he's perfectly happy being the only dog in the family.; 9/10/12, 1:53 PM
Aridog said...: Methadras ... my apologies, in my senility I forgot to include Boxers in my little list. Super dogs, boundless energy and some how seem puppy play-full to the very end.

Actually I didn't include many other dog breeds that I like ... I pretty much like dogs, period. tried to stay to the all-around types, which should have included boxers.; 9/10/12, 1:53 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: They had better be *your* kids of 24 hours later, the police are at your door charging you with disorderly conduct because those people over there who were watching from their deck got the creeps.

First of all.. we never conclusively pined down, with any certitude, the exact nature of the contact between the congressman and the chaaild.. (my Joselyn Elders)

Creeps grow from the middle out.. we got to stay vigilant.; 9/10/12, 2:06 PM
LarryK said...: Did someone part Joey's fur down the middle? It looks like a non-canine coiffure.; 9/10/12, 2:10 PM
Aridog said...: Methadras ... we faced that situation when our dog Zoya passed away suddenly. Ari was two by then, had always been other dog aggressive, and he wasn't about to let any other dog near the place, to replace his surrogate mother, period.

I knew he needed to have another companion dog to replace Zoya, and one that could deal with his aggressive nature initially, never quit, and always try to play.

Everyone told us we were crazy, even dog folks, but the better half agreed with me and agreed to help with the association work and training. I set out to find the right dog, and found her...a dog with a police and protection pedigree to die for, with one flaw...she was wolfish & spooky, not a Schutzhund candidate for anyone not extremely well versed in training...and even then doubtful.

I bought her because she demonstrated, within her kennel pack, that although she was wolfish to nth degree, she never quit trying to be part of the group, never backed down, and usually started the play, mainly chasing thrown apples, the tennis ball you can eat.

It took Judi and I 9 days of Pelican Bay lock down living, no door opening with out another closing, to keep them separated except under controlled conditions. On the evening of the 8th day Ari, in his steel muzzle, began instigating play with Dera. The morning of the 9th day, we let them meet face to face for the first time, unimpeded except my our proximity...I was positioned to get between them (not a great plan, but the one we had) with Judi positioned to grab Ari's hind legs if necessary. Judi also had the butterfly tapes, peroxide, iodine, and suture packs out and on the kitchen table.

BUT...there was no need, after 8+ days of sniffing each other, under doors, etc., running outside together (with muzzle on Ari) they met up and did their puppy bows and proceeded to play and chase each other around. I tossed some balls and they both began acting like they'd grown up together.

Now I'd like to claim some genius as a trainer/handler, but that's non-sense. We just outlasted ornery with patience, made it clear to both dogs what we wanted and expected, and then took a small risk...viola'...those photos are our proof.

I figure Ari just tired of the leather and steel wire muzzle all the time and figured he'd be free of it if he was nice to Dera. He was right...and gained a playmate that he runs with , plays with, wrestles with every day for 7 years now.

Nothing is impossible, but some things take more time. Animals are far easier to teach than humans.; 9/10/12, 2:20 PM
Aridog said...: I need to add in that Pelican Bay episode with Ari & Dera, I had telephone help and assistance, suggestions, etc., from a good friend in Wisconsin...Ari's breeder. If she reads this blog she deserves some of the credit for the success we had.; 9/10/12, 2:24 PM
Tyrone Slothrop said...: Subterranean Canine Blues

Dogs in the sunroom
Waitin' 'til it's afternoon
Better take a walkies soon
Or sing another Dylan tune
Sit there, short hair
Relaxin' on the easy chair
Standin' on the wood floor
Wonderin' what the camera's for
Look out, kid
You're gonna get bit
Better run 'n' get a Milk Bone
Or find yourself a new home
I'm tellin' you it's time to roam
Quit talkin' on the telephone
A man wearin' hiking boots
Isn't giving' two hoots
Got his hikin' Levis on
Let's get our doggone walkies done; 9/10/12, 2:24 PM
edutcher said...: Lem said...

I have a Seagate external drive that is giving me problems.. its past the return window of course..

I bought it to bkup my extensive music files.. and it was cheap.

If you are ever in the market... I do not recommend Seagate.

Unfortunate.

Seagate is one of the oldest hard drive makers and has had a very good rep.

Sad to say, but you may have gotten a lemon.; 9/10/12, 2:26 PM
Aridog said...: Garage ..."indeed", no question about it, Labradors are great S&R dogs, and in water par none with the possible exception of Newfoundlands...who also do some amazing things. Overall, I see GSD's and Lab's as equivalent in US S&R work. However, I am no S&R ex pert.

Your "choco" is a husky boy and will be a powerful adult dog. He appears, from what I could see, to be of older field trials type lab bloodlines.

Our dog "Ari" is "abnormal" in his affection for water and swimming as a GSD....we joke now and then that there had to be a Lab cuckold in his background somewhere.; 9/10/12, 2:39 PM
garage mahal said...: Your "choco" is a husky boy and will be a powerful adult dog. He appears, from what I could see, to be of older field trials type lab bloodlines

He came from "English style" bloodlines. They have much thicker heads and bone structure, otter tails, and they're also known for having mild temperaments. You see the english style as guide/rescue dogs typically. Nothing against "American style" labs, but they are more skittish and hyper. And I'm not a big fan of taller/skinny legs and heads/muzzles.

here is the stud to my pup.; 9/10/12, 3:09 PM
garage mahal said...: Aridog, nice to finally see your German Shepards! Awesome looking dogs if I say so myself. Are they natural guard dogs? My friend's girlfriend had a female, and it was super protective of her. And spooky smart.; 9/10/12, 3:13 PM
Michelle Dulak Thomson said...: I grew up with Dobermans myself -- my parents have three right now, which in a household also containing three parrots, a shifting cat population (some foster, some permanent) and a large number of Gouldian finches presents some, well, management issues.

Me, I have two cats (one of them one of Mom's fosters, originally a kitten from a feral cat colony her cat rescue did a trap/neuter/release operation on), and I can't really see adding a dog to the melange. If I did, I'd be thinking basset or corgi. I love border collies like anything, but I haven't the energy now.; 9/10/12, 3:39 PM
David said...: Dogs. God's masterpiece. (Humans didn't build that, though we think we id.); 9/10/12, 3:40 PM
I Callahan said...: Since we're showing off dogs:

Spoiled Rotten GSD; 9/10/12, 3:49 PM
Deborah M. said...: Zoe.; 9/10/12, 4:47 PM
Aridog said...: Michelle Dulak Thomson sez...

I'd be thinking basset or corgi...

Ah, ha...like my ex-wife (Peke's and Dachshunds) you're thinking of dogs that cannot outrun you :-))

garage mahal asked...

Are they natural guard dogs?

Theoretically, German Sheperds, Malinois, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Boxers, etc. dogs have protection instincts. The GSD and Doberman perhaps a bit more "naturally" than the others...e.g., they will protect instinctively...up to a point. There is no replacement for training however, as knowing how and when to bite or not bite is an important detail. Obedience always should be first IMO.

The baddest ass dog isn't usually the best protector. Except in Hollywood. A relatively small Malinois, trained properly, will protect like almost no other. The FBI K9 shot to death here in a raid on terrorist types died charging an armed man firing at him..."Freddy" was a great dog.

In general the breeds cited will "guard" more instinctively, and are more "aloof", than the more "social breeds" ..e.g., a Malamute is not a good guard dog, but a great working dog in the right setting. He's intimidating, but he'd rather make friends than fight. Contrary to popular myth, Pit Bull Terriers, without extensive training, are also poor guard dogs....but they are extremely social with humans.

What it all boils down to, though, is that a dog, any dog, fancy or plain, if your friend, is a great dog, from a pound, a rescue, a mutt or from a breeder, they are unrivaled for loyalty...and they will always listen to you even when you're nuts. I trust for more dogs (and horses) than I do people.; 9/10/12, 4:58 PM
Michelle Dulak Thomson said...: Aridog,

Ah, ha...like my ex-wife (Peke's and Dachshunds) you're thinking of dogs that cannot outrun you :-))

Busted! But, no, it's not only that. My dog preferences have been getting slower and stodgier with age, and it's not just what I can keep up with. When I was a kid I was all into borzois and whippets. Anything built like a greyhound. Now it's, well, comfortable dogs rather than nervy ones. (Dogs more like cats, truth be told, at least in the napping department.) Though I still do love border collies.; 9/10/12, 5:24 PM
Kurt said...: Speaking of dogs, this post made me wonder if Soleil or his (?) owner had ever come back for a return visit?; 9/10/12, 5:28 PM
garage mahal said...: My 4 yr old abuses our lab. Tackles, rides on, pulls his ears and hangs on. He would never snap at her or anyone else in a million years. He just doesn't have that instinct, which is just what I want. He doesn't even bark at strangers. Needless to say he is a completely worthless guard dog, even though at first glance he looks pretty intimidating.; 9/10/12, 5:29 PM
Michelle Dulak Thomson said...: Aridog,

re: protective instincts -- having known, hmmm, nine Dobermans over the years, they run the gamut. One was so indiscriminately affectionate that I think she'd have slobbered over any burglars that came calling. A few would've charged an intruder, and the rest would certainly have barked their heads off if nothing else. Most potential burglars leave a house with a barking Doberman in it alone. Especially if the dog throws in what my husband calls the "back-slobber," that noise of indrawn saliva as the dog takes a breath before the next bark.

(Usually there's a growl in there too. Do dogs practice circular breathing, or what? Has anyone tried to teach a Doberman the didjeridu?)

The fiercest dog I know at the moment is the Scottie next door. He does not stop at defending his territory; he defends mine as well. From me.; 9/10/12, 5:36 PM
Aridog said...: Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

re: protective instincts ... they run the gamut ... A few would've charged an intruder, and the rest would certainly have barked their heads off if nothing else ...

Ah, yes...and THAT is where the training comes in. The dog has to know just what it is you want him/her to do.

That, and never make the mistake of underestimating a "soft" dog...they actually have less compunction about fighting once threatened or alarmed. There IS a reason the Com-Bloc utilized many "soft" dogs for border patrol work.; 9/10/12, 6:18 PM
Aridog said...: garage mahal said...

Needless to say he is a completely worthless guard dog, even though at first glance he looks pretty intimidating.

Maybe. But I'd bet otherwise. Your dog is a young adult now, and knows what you expect up to now. He is still learning.

He's young but relatively aloof already regarding strangers and doesn't"go off" like a maniac at every sound or shadow. Right? If some one was to threatening your 4 year old little girl and she let out a alarmed cry...you might be very surprised about what your dog would do to whomever made your kid cry out. He takes her guff because he has the self control to do so, and wants to do so (just as Ari takes Dera's guff here) ...she's part of his world, his pack. Don't underestimate him.

Could be wrong, but I doubt it. Seen it too often in young child/dog relationships. Messing with the kid is a no-no.; 9/10/12, 6:27 PM
Aridog said...: I Callahan ... you have to love the sweet insouciance of your dog. Aloof is cool. All couches and sofas belong to me. You just rent space on them. :-)); 9/10/12, 6:42 PM
Aridog said...: Deborah McLaughlin ...tried to see "Zoe" but couldn't...site required a password...both in Opera and IE8.

No matter, dogs are cool, people not so much. Hell even horses are more rational minded than a lot of people I know.; 9/10/12, 6:47 PM
Methadras said...: Aridog said...

Methadras ... my apologies, in my senility I forgot to include Boxers in my little list. Super dogs, boundless energy and some how seem puppy play-full to the very end.

Actually I didn't include many other dog breeds that I like ... I pretty much like dogs, period. tried to stay to the all-around types, which should have included boxers.

No apologies necessary. I'm a dog guy myself and boxers have always been my favorite breed. Owning them only cemented that belief. I have many friends with different breeds and all are lovable to be sure, but I always go back to my bias with boxers because they are the lovable clowns of the dog world that have a heart of gold, have the physicality and stamina necessary to maintain that exuberance, and the gentleness to match there perpetual curiosity of everything.

Never a need to apologize for the love of dogs. Man's best friend and frankly a faithful companion that I believe would diminish man's existence without the symbiotic relationship that we've had with them for 50k years.; 9/10/12, 6:50 PM
ken in tx said...: I recommend Boston Terriers for indoor dogs. They don't shed much, and if properly trained don't bark much. Always get a pair. Dachshunds will bite part of your face off if you try make them get out of your chair. Poodles will puke on your side of the bed if you kick them off the bed. Go with Bostons. They do like to dance on the pillows in the morning.

Mark Twain is supposed to have said that going to heaven was based on favoritism, not merit. If it was based on merit, your dog would go in and you would not.; 9/10/12, 6:53 PM
Aridog said...: We started out taking about labs and their various capabilities. Trust me, they are all-around dogs, combat dogs in a ugly war...as the k9's of Scout Team patrols. You must love the dog that saves your life.; 9/10/12, 7:10 PM
Aridog said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9/10/12, 7:17 PM
Aridog said...: In memoriam, "Dubs" & "Nanny Goat", both passed on in 2011, but best friends in Pray, Montana, near Mill Creek. Never presume Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers are insanely vicious... when they are, it is the owners' fault, not the dogs.; 9/10/12, 7:19 PM
Palladian said...: I like most dogs, but to my mind the finest of all is the "American gentleman", the Boston Terrier. (Those pictures are mostly of my mother's dog, Maggie, whom I bought for her as a companion dog a few years ago.; 9/10/12, 7:29 PM
bagoh20 said...: Everybody gets a dog. Adopt a bum. They can be trained to wash dishes, although they can be hard to keep clean. Biting is not an issue, but humping can be. This can usually be held in check with a neuter.; 9/10/12, 7:31 PM
Palladian said...: Didn't see your most recent comment, ken in sc! Seconded!; 9/10/12, 7:35 PM
Palladian said...: My boyfriend has a chihuahua, a rescue who was found wandering the streets of Santa Ana, CA about 6 years ago. I have to admit that I've never been terribly fond of the breed, but I do like this one; he's not the delicate, yappy, purse-dwelling kind.; 9/10/12, 7:38 PM
garage mahal said...: This one is for your boyfriend then Palladian

I don't know exactly why I think this is so funny. But it is.; 9/10/12, 7:43 PM
garage mahal said...: *that; 9/10/12, 7:44 PM
Aridog said...: Ken in SC....They do like to dance on the pillows in the morning.

So does out Dera girl...but she's 80 lbs, damnit! :-)

You WILL get the flip up. Yes you will.; 9/10/12, 7:52 PM
Palladian said...: Love it, garage!

I was interested to discover that there are two chihuahua paradigms: apple-headed and deer-headed. The apple-headed ones are usually the purse-dwellers.; 9/10/12, 7:55 PM
bagoh20 said...: "I don't know exactly why I think this is so funny. But it is."

Yes it is.; 9/10/12, 8:21 PM
Anonymous said...: The long haired Chihuahuas are adorable, I had a Peek a Pom, my kids called him Devil Dog, but his name was Teddy, he loved only me:).; 9/10/12, 8:31 PM
garage mahal said...: I watched a chihuahua once for a co-worker that was going thru a Jerry Springer hellscape type situation. I really hated that dog - and I had to watch it way past the expiration date. But, that dog had to be screwed up knowing its neurotic owner. And of course it took dozens of broken promises and unreturned phone calls to finally arrive at the drop off point. Like selling your boat! *WHEW*; 9/10/12, 9:47 PM
Herman said...: Enough with the breeds already. Get a one of a kind mutt. They're smarter and they live longer.; 9/10/12, 9:49 PM
Aridog said...: The thread seems dead, but here goes anyway ....

Herman said...

Enough with the breeds already. Get a one of a kind mutt. They're smarter and they live longer.

No argument that "mutts" can make great pets. The smarter and live longer part is nonsense, but does seem to live on as urban legend.

Seriously, all "dogs" are "mutts" as they are descended from the Gray Wolf and have been "selectively" bred more or less for specific characteristics and features, then cross bred and hybridized, to create "new" breeds. "Purbred" means only that a particular hybridization is perpetuated. Mutt is still mutt...until someone, or some group, decides they want to make some money and applies for registry in various dog/breed associations.

Once "registered" ... Voilà' & Bingo! ...the "Mutt" is now a "breed." Example: the "Peke a Pom" owned by Allie Oop and cited earlier here. They are hybrids half Pekingese and half Pomeranian ...and in my opinion, improve both origin breeds, if small dogs are your thing. They are currently of limited registry and that as "designer dogs"...but it is only a matter of time before they are recognized by major registries such as AKC and UKC as "purebred."

Designer Dogs now Purebreds? Off hand, due to my own experience, the best examples, all hybridized, I can think of are the German Shepherd Shepherd, the Boxer, the Doberman, and the Rottweiler...ALL are German designer dogs, purpose built, and subsequently placed into formal registry.

Pure Bred means only that enough people made money and/or accomplished enough performance in trials, with a hybrid to register it.; 9/12/12, 10:01 AM