Regular print version previously published by Atria Books.
Contents:
The birth of a bond -- Everyone's best friend: finding companionship and unconditional love -- Family matters: how dogs can help us connect with loved ones -- Social creatures: how dogs can improve our lives in the community -- Getting out and about: How dogs encourage us to go outside and move -- Strong always: how dogs can support our physical wellbeing -- To serve and protect: how dogs can detect diseases and danger -- Supporting mental health: how dogs can help with psychiatric issues -- They're all emotional support animals -- Star teachers: how dogs help children learn and grow -- Anchoring forces: how dogs serve as stabilizing influences in our lives -- Maturing together: living with an aging dog -- The broken bond: coping with grief and sorrow -- Lessons from our dogs -- Appendix 1: ISO the right dog for you -- Appendix 2: the quality-of-life-survey -- Appendix 3: pupcakes.
Summary:
"Dogs have been considered people's best friend for thousands of years, but never has the relationship between humans and their canine companions been as vitally important as it is today. With all of the seismic shifts in today's world, rates of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing, and people have been turning to their dogs for solace and stability. Amidst these dire realities, something wonderful has taken shape. In the United States alone, dog adoptions doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people have brought furry friends into their lives for the first time or seized this opportunity to deepen the connections they already have, they are looking to understand how owning a dog can change their lives. Now, The Purest Bond explores the benefits our dogs can have on our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, often without our realizing it. Weaving together groundbreaking research and touching real-life stories, The Purest Bond explores not just the social benefits of owning a dog but the science of how dogs improve our emotional and physical health, mental acuity, and our ability to focus and absorb information. Most importantly, they remind us of what's right in the world -- love, trust, affection, playtime, fresh air, and sunshine -- even when so much feels wrong."-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.