Yes, humans and canines are different species, but
current research provides fascinating, irrefutable
evidence that what we share with our dogs is greater
than how we vary. As behaviorist and zoologist Dr.
Patricia McConnell tells us in this remarkable new book
about emotions in dogs and in people, more and more
scientists accept the premise that dogs have rich
emotional lives, exhibiting a wide range of feelings
including fear, anger, surprise, sadness, and love. In
For the Love of a Dog, McConnell suggests that one of
the reasons we love dogs so much is that they express
emotions in ways similar to humans. After all, who can
communicate joy better than a puppy? But not all
emotional expressions are obvious, and McConnell teaches
both beginning dog owners and experienced dog lovers how
to read the more subtle expressions hidden behind fuzzy
faces and floppy ears. For those of us who deeply
cherish our dogs but are sometimes baffled by their
behavior, For the Love of a Dog will come as a
revelation-a treasure trove of useful facts, informed
speculation, and intriguing accounts of man's best
friend at his worst and at his very best. Readers will
discover how fear, anger, and happiness underlie the
lives of both people and dogs and, most important, how
understanding emotion in both species can improve the
relationship between them. Thus McConnell introduces us
to the possibility of a richer, more rewarding
relationship with our dogs. While we may never be
absolutely certain what our dogs are feeling, with the
help of this riveting book we can understand more than
we ever thought possible. Those who consider their dogs
part of the family will find For the Love of a Dog
engaging, enlightening, and utterly engrossing. ''From
the Hardcover edition.'' |
|