Dogs aren’t just pets. They’ve been part of human life for roughly 20,000 years—about 10,000 years longer than cats and thousands of years before horses entered our lives. For millennia they’ve hunted with us, traveled with us, guarded us, slept beside us, and become part of our families.
There’s also biology behind it. Humans and dogs experience mutual oxytocin release when we interact, strengthening the bond between us.
Maybe that’s why losing a dog can feel so devastating. They’re often the family member we see every single day.
While there’s been 60-70 million years since we last shared a common ancestor, humans and wolves share so many similarities.
We’re both highly social mammals that live in close family groups, we’re top predators with similar prey breadth, and we invest a lot of time in rearing our young.
Through a language of food, reward, and cooperation, wolves were easily able to socialize and bond with humans - both socially and chemically- over 20,000 years ago. This process is why domestic dogs are still so prevalent today, and why their species name means - the Friendly Wolf.
In ancient times dogs were integral to human survival. Today they serve as tools and companions. And I have no doubt, as far into the future, they will remain alongside us to the end of days.
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