#human-animal-connection

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Philosophy
fromPsychology Today
8 hours ago

Education to Improve the Planet's Health, and Our Own

Nature enhances human health, but environmental degradation now negatively impacts well-being, necessitating education reform for Planetary Health.
Roam Research
fromNature
1 day ago

'Bat feast' animal videos at African cave offer clues to how deadly viruses spread

Camera traps in Uganda revealed various species interacting with Egyptian fruit bats, highlighting potential pathways for Marburg virus transmission to humans.
Pets
fromwww.scientificamerican.com
10 hours ago

Meet Bruce, the parrot with a broken beak that he wields as a weapon

Bruce, an injured Kea parrot, uses his disability to dominate his social group through innovative jousting behavior.
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
5 days ago

The Secret Advantage of Not Doing It Alone

Social support enhances performance, reduces stress, increases well-being, and can be experienced through imagination and helping behaviors.
#empathy
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
5 days ago

Psychology says people who make others light up when they first meet them have usually known what it feels like to be overlooked - and instead of becoming bitter about it, they made a quiet decision at some point in their life that no one in their presence would ever feel that invisible again, and that choice is one of the most powerful things a human being can do with their own pain - Silicon Canals

Warm individuals often transform their experiences of invisibility into empathy, making others feel valued and seen.
fromSilicon Canals
2 weeks ago
Psychology

Research suggests people who feel more empathy for dogs than humans aren't broken - their empathy is fully intact, it's just been directed toward the only available recipient that has never weaponized it, and a person whose empathy has been weaponized enough times eventually stops handing it to anyone who could do it again - Silicon Canals

Empathy can be selective, often directed more towards animals than humans due to psychological and biological factors.
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
5 days ago

Psychology says people who make others light up when they first meet them have usually known what it feels like to be overlooked - and instead of becoming bitter about it, they made a quiet decision at some point in their life that no one in their presence would ever feel that invisible again, and that choice is one of the most powerful things a human being can do with their own pain - Silicon Canals

Warm individuals often transform their experiences of invisibility into empathy, making others feel valued and seen.
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
2 weeks ago

Research suggests people who feel more empathy for dogs than humans aren't broken - their empathy is fully intact, it's just been directed toward the only available recipient that has never weaponized it, and a person whose empathy has been weaponized enough times eventually stops handing it to anyone who could do it again - Silicon Canals

Empathy can be selective, often directed more towards animals than humans due to psychological and biological factors.
Books
fromPsychology Today
6 days ago

Why Rick McIntyre Is the Go-To Guy for All Things Wolves

Rick McIntyre's memoir offers insights into his life with wolves and valuable lessons about wildlife relationships.
Travel
fromBig Think
6 days ago

The arc of human history is toward cooperation, not division

Hitchhiking fosters deep connections and insights into diverse lives, revealing personal stories and experiences across different cultures.
#veterinary-care
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

From sleeping lions to spitting snakes: a year in the life of London zoo vets

Veterinary teams at ZSL face unique challenges in treating endangered animals, requiring specialized skills and techniques for various species.
Pets
fromSan Jose Inside
4 days ago

Beyond Dogs and Cats: What Silicon Valley's Exotic Pet Owners Need to Know About Veterinary Care

Santa Clara County's diverse communities face challenges in veterinary care for non-traditional pets due to a lack of specialized services.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Why do vets charge more to scan an animal than a private hospital would to scan a human?

Veterinary MRI scans for pets are more expensive than human scans due to factors like VAT, anesthesia requirements, and overall treatment costs.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Reforms must be fair tovets and pet owners | Letters

Increased veterinary costs and reduced services threaten the availability of essential pet care for owners.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

From sleeping lions to spitting snakes: a year in the life of London zoo vets

Veterinary teams at ZSL face unique challenges in treating endangered animals, requiring specialized skills and techniques for various species.
Pets
fromSan Jose Inside
4 days ago

Beyond Dogs and Cats: What Silicon Valley's Exotic Pet Owners Need to Know About Veterinary Care

Santa Clara County's diverse communities face challenges in veterinary care for non-traditional pets due to a lack of specialized services.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Why do vets charge more to scan an animal than a private hospital would to scan a human?

Veterinary MRI scans for pets are more expensive than human scans due to factors like VAT, anesthesia requirements, and overall treatment costs.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Reforms must be fair tovets and pet owners | Letters

Increased veterinary costs and reduced services threaten the availability of essential pet care for owners.
Philosophy
fromPsychology Today
2 days ago

Animal Minds: Can We Really Know What They Think and Feel?

Challenges in studying animal minds can strengthen scientific understanding and foster a deeper connection with nonhuman species.
Mindfulness
fromYoga Journal
3 days ago

6 Yoga Retreats That Center Wildlife and Conservation

Nature-based yoga retreats enhance mindfulness and presence through ethical wildlife experiences, fostering awe and connection in stunning ecosystems.
#animal-welfare
fromFortune
11 hours ago
Pets

Rubber bullet carnage as 1,000 animal welfare activists storm beagle breeding lab in Wisconsin | Fortune

Pets
fromLos Angeles Times
2 days ago

Longtime animal welfare executive named to lead L.A.'s Animal Services

Gabrielle Amster has been appointed as the new general manager of Animal Services in Los Angeles, pending City Council confirmation.
fromFortune
11 hours ago
Pets

Rubber bullet carnage as 1,000 animal welfare activists storm beagle breeding lab in Wisconsin | Fortune

Pets
fromLos Angeles Times
2 days ago

Longtime animal welfare executive named to lead L.A.'s Animal Services

Gabrielle Amster has been appointed as the new general manager of Animal Services in Los Angeles, pending City Council confirmation.
US news
fromsfist.com
2 weeks ago

Saturday Links: Therapy Cow Spotted in Sonoma County Visiting Bedridden Resident

One pilot was rescued and another is missing after a US fighter jet was shot down in Iran.
Writing
fromPsychology Today
1 week ago

Reimagining Animal Sentience: A Novel View of Animal Minds

Animal sentience is real, and poetry can transform our understanding and treatment of animals as conscious beings.
fromThe Conversation
6 days ago

AI companions can give constant support - but distort ideas about what a relationship really is

Theodore's experience with Samantha reveals a profound shift in understanding love, as he grapples with the idea of sharing an AI's affection with many others, challenging his human limitations.
Philosophy
#dog-behavior
fromMail Online
1 day ago
Pets

You're walking your dog wrong! Experts reveal why pets act up

Dogs take longer walks in spring due to increased scents, and owners should allow them to explore rather than rush.
fromMail Online
5 days ago
Pets

The hidden health conditions that could turn your dog into a KILLER

Certain health conditions can lead to increased aggression in dogs, indicating underlying issues that need attention.
Pets
fromMail Online
1 day ago

You're walking your dog wrong! Experts reveal why pets act up

Dogs take longer walks in spring due to increased scents, and owners should allow them to explore rather than rush.
Pets
fromMail Online
5 days ago

The hidden health conditions that could turn your dog into a KILLER

Certain health conditions can lead to increased aggression in dogs, indicating underlying issues that need attention.
#human-animal-bond
fromSilicon Canals
2 weeks ago
Psychology

Psychology says people who let their pets sleep in their bed aren't clingy or emotionally stunted - they've found one of the only relationships in modern life that offers unconditional presence without the performance anxiety that makes human connection so exhausting - Silicon Canals

Needing comfort from pets is not a weakness; it can enhance emotional well-being and reduce anxiety.
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago
Online Community Development

The Power of Human-Animal Relationships: 'Unleashing the Bond'

Human-animal relationships significantly influence physical health, emotional well-being, and community resilience through scientifically measurable mechanisms beyond sentimental value.
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
2 weeks ago

Psychology says people who let their pets sleep in their bed aren't clingy or emotionally stunted - they've found one of the only relationships in modern life that offers unconditional presence without the performance anxiety that makes human connection so exhausting - Silicon Canals

Needing comfort from pets is not a weakness; it can enhance emotional well-being and reduce anxiety.
Pets
fromTasting Table
2 days ago

If You Find A Bird Egg In Your Vegetable Garden, Here's What You Need To Do Next - Tasting Table

Bird nests and eggs are legally protected; do not relocate them to avoid fines and ensure bird safety.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
4 days ago

A Compassionate History of American Attitudes Toward Animals

A new book details the evolution of human-animal relationships and highlights the responsibility for unseen consequences of our actions towards other species.
Psychology
fromPsychology Today
3 weeks ago

Why Seven Dogs Escaping Captivity Gives Hope to Us All

Resilience and leadership can emerge from unexpected sources, as demonstrated by a group of dogs navigating challenges together.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
1 week ago

The Clout of Companion Animal Psychology for Dogs and Cats

Zazie Todd aims to improve the lives of dogs and cats through scientific understanding and compassionate care.
Philosophy
fromPsychology Today
3 weeks ago

'Animate': How Nonhuman and Human Minds Are Inherently Linked

Humans share traits with animals and have become disconnected, wrongly believing in our superiority over them.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
1 week ago

What I Learned From My Cat, a Meow Is Not Always a Meow

Cats may vocalize excessively due to health issues like hyperthyroidism, which can lead to misunderstandings between pets and their owners.
Psychology
fromSilicon Canals
4 weeks ago

There's a kind of intelligence that never gets measured because it lives entirely in the body. The person who can feel the weather changing in their knees, read a dog's mood from across the street, and know a room is wrong before anyone speaks. - Silicon Canals

Intelligence extends beyond cognitive abilities, encompassing bodily awareness and interoception as vital forms of processing information.
Pets
fromMail Online
5 days ago

Fur-ever young! Drug can extend dogs' lifespans by a YEAR

A new drug for older dogs aims to extend their lifespan by targeting metabolic dysfunction.
fromLady Freethinker
1 week ago

People More Likely to Stay at Homeless Shelters if Their Beloved Pets Are Allowed, New Study Finds

The Pet Assistance and Support Program has made it easier for thousands to enter shelters and move into permanent housing, serving 4,407 people between 2020 and 2024.
Pets
Pets
fromSilicon Canals
1 week ago

Psychology says people who treat their dogs like children aren't substituting the dog for human connection - they've found a relationship in which the attachment system can operate without the self-protective interference that human relationships almost always trigger, and the love that results is not lesser for its safety, it is simply the version of love that the person is most fully capable of giving without the armor on - Silicon Canals

People treating dogs like children are not compensating for something missing; they are experiencing a profound understanding of love and attachment.
Science
fromSilicon Canals
2 months ago

5 unlikely animal friendships that prove connection has no species barrier - Silicon Canals

Animals form deep, unexpected interspecies bonds that transcend instinct, demonstrating that genuine connection can override species boundaries and learned categories.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
2 weeks ago

Dogs and People: Stories of Redemption and Mutual Rescue

Canine redemption narratives shape perceptions of mutual rescue between humans and dogs, reflecting broader themes of responsibility and redemption in society.
US politics
fromPsychology Today
2 months ago

How ICE Is Disrupting the Human-Animal Bond

Abrupt immigration enforcement severs human-animal bonds, causing lasting trauma, abandoned pets, and reluctance to seek veterinary care.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

The pet I'll never forget: Beau, the labrador who saved my life

A labrador named Beau saved his owner's life after a cardiac arrest on the beach, showcasing the bond between pets and their owners.
Environment
fromPsychology Today
2 months ago

Rewilding Rejects the We're-So-Special Exceptionalism

Rewilding requires rehabilitating human hearts, overcoming self-centeredness, and treating nature with compassion so ecosystems and nonhuman lives can flourish.
Medicine
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

The pet I'll never forget: Jack, the sacked sniffer dog, who pulled me through the darkest days of chemo

A retired police cocker spaniel provided companionship and practical emotional support during cancer treatment, giving structure, comfort, and unconditional love.
Education
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Ask, Tell, Teach

Effective instruction requires asking gently first, then telling more clearly, but demanding creates resistance and should be avoided with students of any kind.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
3 weeks ago

Dogs, Cats, and Other Nonhumans Are Not 'Just Animals'

A new book challenges speciesist narratives and promotes deeper respect for animals as sentient beings with powerful social bonds.
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
2 months ago

What Pet Loss Reveals About Attachment

Grief after pet loss can be clinically significant, with rates of prolonged grief disorder similar to those after losing emotionally significant humans.
US news
fromwww.npr.org
2 months ago

After being hit by a car, she was saved by a lavender bunny

Urban cycling dangers come primarily from other vehicles rather than terrain or weather.
Science
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

So a cow can use a stick to scratch its backside. When will we learn that humans are really not that special? | Helen Pilcher

Cows can deliberately use tools flexibly, demonstrating problem-solving, manipulation, and underestimated intelligence.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

The pet I'll never forget: Merlin the therapy sheep

Merlin the sheep provides emotional support and therapy to clients, showcasing the calming effect of animals on human well-being.
Environment
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

Geese guided our beloved dog back home | Letters

Canada geese watched over a rehomed dog’s grave, remaining in formation nearby and later rising and flying off together as an apparent escort.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
3 weeks ago

The Reciprocal Relationships of Pets and Their Caregivers

Cats vocalize more frequently with male caregivers, suggesting a learned behavior to attract attention.
Mindfulness
fromPsychology Today
2 months ago

How Listening to the Sound of Feathers Can Awaken True Joy

Attentive connection with nature nurtures creativity, compassion, and joy, fostering respect for nonhuman life and inspiring gentler, more flourishing communities.
#joy
Pets
fromSilicon Canals
3 weeks ago

Psychology says people who sleep in the same bed as their dogs aren't substituting the dog for human intimacy - they're supplementing a human life with the one kind of companionship that asks for nothing, carries no grievances into the bedroom, and has never once in the history of the arrangement woken up on the wrong side - Silicon Canals

Co-sleeping with dogs provides comfort and security, enhancing relaxation and sleep quality for many pet owners.
fromPsychology Today
3 weeks ago

How a Huggy Dog Is Helping Children With Wartime Trauma

Hibuki, the stuffed animal dog, allows children to project their feelings, helping them to express emotions like sadness and anxiety. The child becomes the caretaker of the dog, which facilitates self-soothing.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
2 months ago

The Hidden Lives of Lab Animals and the Need for Reform

Countless millions of nonhuman animals (animals) of all sorts are used in a diverse array of laboratory research. Their treatment varies from being unspeakably inhumanely abused to being treated with kindness, depending on the questions at hand and the values and attitudes of the researchers themselves. The lives of these animals truly are hidden, and most people are incredulous when they learn that laboratory rats and mice still are not considered "animals" under the current federal Animal Welfare Act.
Science
Philosophy
fromThe Conversation
1 month ago

The cost of casting animals as heroes and villains in conservation science

Hero-villain narratives in ecology oversimplify complex ecological stories and inappropriately impose human moral frameworks onto non-moral natural processes and species.
Pets
fromwww.dw.com
3 weeks ago

Humans and dogs scientists find new proof of ancient bond

A female puppy from 15,800 years ago in Turkey is identified as the earliest-known dog, predating the previous record by 5,000 years.
Pets
fromNature
3 weeks ago

A Career in Wildlife Medicine Is Its Own Reward | Blog | Nature | PBS

Working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician at a zoo is rewarding, combining joy and challenges while contributing to wildlife conservation.
Science
fromFuturism
2 months ago

Scientists Suddenly Discover That Cow Tools Are Real

A cow spontaneously selected, adjusted, and used a broom handle to scratch itself, demonstrating tool use and suggesting cattle possess underestimated cognitive abilities.
Psychology
fromLady Freethinker
2 months ago

The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence

Animal cruelty commonly co-occurs with interpersonal violence and serves as a strong early warning sign indicating elevated risk to both animals and people.
fromMail Online
3 weeks ago

Scientists explain why entire pack of wolves needed to be euthanised

The charity claims long-term separation was not a viable solution, as wolves' welfare is closely tied to living within a stable pack structure, and isolation can create further welfare concerns.
Pets
Psychology
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Animal Consciousness: Behavioral Flexibility is Ubiquitous

Consciousness exists across diverse species including insects, demonstrating that humans are not uniquely conscious and behavioral flexibility indicates sentience in nonhuman animals.
Pets
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

The pet I'll never forget: Penny, the pigeon who never left my side

A rescued pigeon named Penny imprinted on her rescuer Hannah and remained her constant companion despite multiple attempts to reintegrate her with other pigeons.
Pets
fromSilicon Canals
1 month ago

Research suggests that the specific warmth of a dog sleeping against your body activates the same oxytocin pathways as skin-to-skin contact with a partner, which is why people who sleep with their dog report feeling held even when they technically sleep alone - Silicon Canals

Dogs sleeping in bed with humans activate oxytocin pathways similar to intimate human contact, providing neurochemical benefits beyond emotional comfort.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
2 months ago

For Your Pet To Thrive, Listen to What They're Asking of You

A love-centered, consent-based, animal-perspective holistic approach unlocks pets' natural healing, fostering vitality, balance, and empowered human-animal relationships.
Pets
fromSilicon Canals
2 months ago

5 signs your pet has chosen you as their favorite person in the household - Silicon Canals

Pets often form a primary attachment to one household member, showing favoritism through behaviors like following and seeking proximity.
#cat-behavior
Pets
fromMail Online
1 month ago

Cats turn their noses up at being helpful with humans and THIS is why

Cats rarely help humans find hidden objects unless the item benefits them directly, unlike dogs and toddlers who spontaneously assist regardless of personal reward.
Pets
fromMail Online
1 month ago

Face it, your cat doesn't care about you: Felines rarely help owners

Dogs and toddlers spontaneously help locate hidden objects, while cats rarely assist unless the item is their favorite treat or toy, reflecting differences in domestication and selective breeding for cooperation.
Pets
fromMail Online
1 month ago

Cats turn their noses up at being helpful with humans and THIS is why

Cats rarely help humans find hidden objects unless the item benefits them directly, unlike dogs and toddlers who spontaneously assist regardless of personal reward.
Pets
fromMail Online
1 month ago

Face it, your cat doesn't care about you: Felines rarely help owners

Dogs and toddlers spontaneously help locate hidden objects, while cats rarely assist unless the item is their favorite treat or toy, reflecting differences in domestication and selective breeding for cooperation.
Pets
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Do Pets Make Their Owners Happy? New Study Says They Do Not

Pet ownership showed no measurable causal effect on life satisfaction, loneliness, mental health, or general health in analyzed Australian longitudinal data.
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

A Positive Paw Report

Dog ownership has increased dramatically in many western countries. For example, in the UK there has been an increase from around 8.3 million in 2011 to 13.5 million in 2025. That means that approximately 29% of UK adults own a dog! At least partially this increasing trend of owning a dog is linked to millennials being more likely to have children later in life.
Pets
Pets
fromHuffPost
1 month ago

My Senior Dog Couldn't Walk Anymore. Before She Passed, She Led Me To My Husband.

Maya, a lifelong companion dog, remained a steadfast soulmate through relocations, crises, aging, paralysis, and persistent efforts to secure veterinary care.
fromColumbus Ledger-Enquirer
2 months ago

Sweet Velcro Dog Refuses to Let His Favorite Person Work Alone

The clip opens with the dog sitting beside his mom on the couch while she works on her laptop. It's clear that the pup is deeply inconvenienced by his mom's working situation. Text above his head reads "Worst day ever," perfectly capturing the dramatic tone of what's to come. Within seconds, he side-eyes her to make sure she's paying attention, then begins softly whining, as if to say he's been patient long enough.
Pets
Pets
fromSilicon Canals
2 months ago

Psychology says people who prefer dogs over cats typically display these 8 distinct personality traits - Silicon Canals

Dog people are more extroverted and more agreeable, seeking social interaction and exhibiting trusting, altruistic traits linked to personality differences with cat owners.
fromSilicon Canals
2 months ago

Vets can tell which dogs are truly thriving and which are just being "managed"-here are 7 signs they notice right away - Silicon Canals

Remember that moment at the dog park when you see two golden retrievers, with one bouncing around with bright eyes and a glossy coat, and the other just going through the motions with a dull expression despite being perfectly groomed? Both dogs are clearly loved and cared for, but something deeper separates them: It's the difference between a dog that's genuinely flourishing and one that's simply being maintained.
Pets
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