Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
University of Maryland, College Park computer scientist Golbeck, who runs an Instagram account focused on golden retrievers she rescues, teams up with health writer Colino (coauthor of Emotional Inflammation) to deliver a fetching examination of the benefits of owning a dog. Human--dog bonds can produce physical effects, the authors contend, noting scientific studies that found petting dogs provides a surge of the pleasurable hormone oxytocin for the person and the dog, and that canines are so attuned to their owners' emotions that their stress levels ("as measured by cortisol levels in their hair/fur") fluctuate "in sync with their owners' stress levels." Dogs can also provide support to people with mental illness, as illustrated by a study that found people with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder reported feeling less anxious after living with an emotional service dog for a year. The research adds scientific support to some common assumptions (one study confirmed that dogs can "process vocal intonations and pick up on the emotional valence of what's being said"), while pushing back on others, as when the authors warn dog owners against taking on a "dominant 'alpha' role" because domesticated dogs have a more fluid social structure than wolves and get stressed when their humans assert dominance. Informative and fun, this is a treat. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
This upbeat, conversational title from "internet dog mom" Golbeck (information studies, Univ. of Maryland) and psychology and health writer Colino is positive, encouraging, and enthusiastic. Research substantiates the perks of canine companionship for humans, ranging from the physical (lowered blood pressure, increased lung capacity and muscle strength from walks) to the emotional (reduced stress and increased mental acuity). Social benefits include connection to other dog owners, which can alleviate loneliness. Although sometimes it reads like a lengthy podcast or essay, the book validates the deep, almost spiritual connection many owners enjoy with their beloved pet--a bond unlike those of marriage, parenting, or collegiality--unrequited love at its finest. The authors include a helpful survey to assess benefits and drawbacks of prolonging life for elderly or ill animals, as well as extensive notes from publications on related topics. It would have been helpful to have more discussion on tactics to increase the connection when a dog and its owner have a rough start or are unable to bond as desired, but that's a very slight criticism of a wonderful book. VERDICT An excellent addition to the field of canine cognition and emotional connection that is inclusive and easily digested.--Susan Riley
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In our turbulent times, the unconditional love of a dog is more important than ever. Humans have had canine companions since before history was recorded, and there is an excellent reason for it. Dogs are good for us, and we are good for them; this book explains how and why. Golbeck is a scientist whose research field is personality and psychology, and Colino is an award-winning writer who specializes in health and psychology. Both are lifelong dog lovers. They add the surprisingly large body of research into human-dog interaction to their own experience, finding that people with dogs in their lives are happier and healthier. Part of this might be because they are more likely to exercise, but there is also the aspect that such indicators as blood pressure and heart rate improve by simply petting a dog. Then there is the emotional side, with dogs providing crucial support. During the pandemic, many people looked to dogs to counter isolation. "Dogs can…serve as a sort of balm to mental health struggles and ongoing stress," write the authors. "Our canine companions help us feel grounded and present-minded, leading by example." Interestingly, studies on brain chemistry in dogs have shown that they enjoy interacting with people, and their affection goes well beyond the food bowl. The book has plenty of feel-good stories about dogs who helped people through illnesses and sometimes even detected a health problem at an early stage by smelling biochemical changes. Golbeck and Colino provide guidance on choosing the right dog, developing a relationship with it, and how, when the time comes, to say goodbye. "Dogs can lend a sense of stability and permanency when life feels chaotic," they conclude. "They serve as a bright, integral thread in the fabric of our lives." A charming, lucid exploration of how dogs can heal our bodies, minds, and hearts. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
