Who's Robotic Dog Does It Belong To?

Lost dog!  And it's a robot dog.  Really really puts things into a different perspective.

A professor bought this antique in a, well, an antique store in France.  It was made in the 50s and he wants to know more about who made it and where it came from.

And why was it made at all?  Perhaps an inventor father making this for his child?  Or is this a case of a lonely modern-day Geppetto who tried to bring a little spark into his life.

Source: Hackaday.  Also Hackaday has links to more pics and if you have information on this lost dog, how you can get in touch with Daniel Dennet, the current owner.