When weighing the benefits of dog adoption in 2015, I considered this study published by Scientific American as a win-win for all parties, albeit a bit uneven: “Mutual gazing had a profound effect on both the dogs and their owners. Of the duos that had spent the greatest amount of time looking into each other’s eyes, both male and female dogs experienced a 130% rise in oxytocin levels, and both male and female owners a 309% increase.”
The study I didn’t see, though, is on the effects of sharing a bed with a pack animal. Leg to leg, breath to breath, we’ve become one in our farewell to a long day. She’s a model of serenity, a shot of serotonin, and an antidote for any grumpy dogs we encountered on today’s walk.
When I looked into her eyes today, I tried to give a little back of my 309% to be fair. Of course, she refused—selfless creature—but snuggled in for the night with a contented sigh just the same.
Aww - Love the data in this slice - and the snuggles!
ReplyDeleteI can hear the mutual sighs from here.
ReplyDelete