Materials and Methods

Baseline data for 193 dogs’ activity and anxiety levels was gathered between September 5, 2000 and April 5, 2001. There were 54 data points per dog for each scale, computed from two observations per week, randomly distributed over Monday to Friday with at least one day between observations. There was a break in data acquisition sequence over the Christmas holidays. The critical observation gathered on the day before the earthquake (February, 27, 2001) was not included in the baseline computation.

Main body of data acquisition e-mail sent twice each week.

Dog Mood Survey

Thank you for your continuing assistance with this project. Simply hit the e-mail “Reply” button on your mail program, then fill in the two numbers and send this message back to us. You are providing information about (Dog’s name inserted here).

Please rate your dog’s general activity level over the past 24 hours (date of previous day inserted here) using the following scales. If for some reason you did not receive or open this message on (date of mailing inserted here) or if you did not have an opportunity to observe your dog on (date of previous day inserted here) don’t fill in the data, just return the message with the answers blank.

Activity Level

1 = Much less active than usual
2 = A little bit less active than usual
3 = Usual or average level of activity
4 = Marginally more active than usual
5 = Somewhat more active than usual
6 = Clearly more active than usual
7 = Much more active than usual
8 = Very much more active than usual
9 = Annoyingly or worrisomely more active than usual

My dog’s activity level yesterday was ________ (enter number)

Dog’s Mood

1 = Very placid and calm
2 = Usual or average level of calmness
3 = Marginally less calm than usual
4 = Seemed a bit worried, cautious or vigilant once or twice
5 = Seemed a bit worried, cautious or vigilant for brief periods, several times during the day
6 = Seemed to be somewhat anxious about something for a prolonged period
7 = Definitely worried, anxious or fearful about something (panting or pacing)
8 = Very worried, anxious or fearful about something (hiding or cringing)
9 = Extremely worried, anxious or fearful (trembling, drooling, or trying to escape the house or yard)

My dog’s mood yesterday was ___________ (enter number)

[NOTE: 2 GRAPHS ARE INCLUDED BUT CAN'T POST DUE TO TECHINICAL DIFFICULTIES.]