The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human-Canine Connection

A feel-good, comprehensive exploration of the profound bond between humans and dogs from Jen Golbeck, the "internet's dog mom" behind the massive social media platform The Golden Ratio, and Stacey Colino, an award-winning science writer.

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.

Author: Jen Golbeck, Stacey Colino
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 11/14/2023
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.67d
ISBN: 9781668007846


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 06/01/2023 pg. 21

About the Author
Jen Golbeck is the "internet's dog mom" and creator of the social media sensation The Golden Ratio. A professor at the University of Maryland's College of Information Studies, she is a popular science communicator on issues related to her research on social media and dogs. Her TED Talks have been viewed by millions and she is a popular keynote speaker who has appeared on NPR, The 11th Hour, and more. Her writing has appeared The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Wired. She and her husband rescue golden retrievers who are senior or who have special medical needs and give them a safe and comfortable life. Find out more at JenGolbeck.com.

Stacey Colino is an award-winning writer specializing in health and psychological issues. Her writing has appeared in US News & World Report, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Parade, Sports Illustrated, and more. She is the coauthor of numerous books, including Count Down, Emotional Inflammation, and Disease Proof. Stacey is a lifelong dog lover and has owned three rescue dogs. Follow her on Twitter @ColinoStacey.