Paul Langenwalter, a professor of archaeology and anthropology at Biola University, is presenting the results of his research into the relationships between dogs and tribes in California.

Based on archaeological evidence, Langenwalter confirmed that dogs were very close to people in Miwok and Yokut societies. Dogs were typically buried with their owners.

"There are no pet cemetery areas, and we don't find the dog burials on campsites or any place where there aren't human burials," Langenwalter, who will present his research at the Society for American Archaeology this week, told The Sacramento Bee. "They were buried with the people."

Debra Grimes, the cultural preservation specialist for the California Valley Miwok Tribe, said dogs were often used to find medicinal plants. They were also offered as food in occasions.

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Indians, dogs were companions in life and death centuries ago (The Sacramento Bee 3/29)