Human history with dogs began at least 10,000 years ago. The relationship benefitted both species. Early humans found that dogs served as alarm systems, helped track and catch prey, could keep them warm, and could guard and entertain human children. The tradeoff is that people provide food and shelter for their canine companions. However, scientists have now found that the bond goes much deeper than these obvious mutual benefits.

We develop a deep emotional bond with our babies and other humans due to a mutual release of a hormone called oxytocin, an occurrence we describe as love. Studies now show that dogs and their owners experience the same exchange, especially when gazing into each other's eyes. Although many mammals produce oxytocin and bond with their own, humans and canines are the only mammals known to have this exchange with another species! So, the next time you wonder if you're unnaturally attached to your dog, you can confidently say no. It's just a miraculous process that bonds two species who seem to be made for each other.