The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human-Canine Connection

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 99 ratings

Price: 13.12

Last update: 08-26-2024


About this item

This 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 award-winning science writer Stacey Colino “will bring something magical and meaningful into your life” (Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling author).

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.

Weaving together groundbreaking research and touching real-life stories, The Purest Bond is an “informative and fun” (Publishers Weekly) exploration of 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

Amanda Billy
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, validating, and relatable
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023
An impressively comprehensive examination of the research that's been done on dogs and our relationships to them, delivered in a way that is entertaining and personable. It would have been so easy to make this dry, but it never comes off that way. The whole book is supported by both a massive bibliography and countless author and reader anecdotes, including Jen's experiences fostering and rescuing golden retrievers with medical needs, senior goldens, and goldens in need of a hospice foster.

I've gifted this to a few friends now who share my passion for dogs, and I will enthusiastically recommend it to anyone else who feels the same.
Skywalker Home Films
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure enjoyment; pure education
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I highly recommend The Purest Bond by Golbeck & Colino. We know a strong therapy alliance is a critical factor in good therapy. Oh, the lessons we can learn from our furry friends. The book is filled with intimate stories and approachable scientific examples of how canine/human connections build systemic resilience in individuals, families, and communities. I read the hardcover and listened to the audio. Hearing Jen recount her love and loss is profound and moving. Recommend in all formats. 15/10 stars for this very readable and informative book!
Nadine S
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
This is a great book, full of both scientific information and personal stories illustrating different aspects of the bond between dogs and humans. It is nuanced and honest, and its balanced and organized approach to different aspects of having a dog resonates and speaks to the reader. It's a careful, well-researched book, and very well worth the read. The passage on aging dogs will lead me to gift the book to my sister who is dealing with this; I know the humane, sensitive treatment of the subject will speak to her and should be helpful. Kudos to the authors.
BeginningBetsy
5.0 out of 5 stars A great, heartfelt book
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
This is my second copy, bought as a gift for my sister! It was wonderful to read an intelligent and informed book on such an important subject. Great job, GR Mom!
C. Baker
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book about People and their Dogs
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024
This is a very good book about the emotional connection between people and their dogs. It covers a lot of ground with chapters on how dogs help make connections between people, forge motivation to improve physical and mental well-being, and are emotionally supportive. I have read so much about dogs over the years, I did not find anything particularly new in the book, but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Sherry
5.0 out of 5 stars The golden ratio 4
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
This is a heart warming story about a family:organization that rescues golden retrievers and they become part of their families. They are located in key west Florida. This is their story. Priceless. They also do a yearly calendar. I follow them on Instagram. Love this dogs and their stories so much. Highly recommend reading this book and following this site
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Pre-ordered as a fan, recommending as a dog-lover and friend
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
There's a lovely mix of science and stories in this book that I think anyone would be interested in. Jen might be the internet's dog mom, but more than that, she is someone who values animals, and people, and is really an expert in caring for both. It's funny! It's charming! And the end is incredibly reflective about end of life care. CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH!
Trials rider
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for dog lovers
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
This is a terrific book for dog lovers. The author not only tells wonderful heartwarming stories of her own dogs (and others) but being a neuroscientist she explains some of the actual proven positive physiological effects for both the dog and the owner! I had the opportunity to attend a book signing with the two authors of this book and it was even more interesting meeting them in person. Highly recommended if you are a dog lover!

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