07/30/2024
Happy International Friendship Day from Plush Spa! 🐶❤️🧸
Today, we celebrate ALL friendships, but we wanted to give a special shout-out to the bond between humans and pups - a love story that goes back thousands of years!
From loyal working companions to snuggly best friends, dogs have earned their title of "man's best friend." ❤️
The relationship between humans and dogs is unique, complex, and long-standing, benefiting both species. Here are some facts about the friendship between dogs and humans:
History:
Dogs were the first domesticated animals, and the relationship between humans and dogs began around 15,000 to 14,000 years ago when wolves transitioned from wild animals to domesticated companions. Scientists debate whether dogs or humans made the first move, but the feeling was mutual.
Benefits:
Owning a dog can benefit humans, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving heart health, and decreasing feelings of loneliness and depression. In fact, some research suggests that dog ownership helps people live longer.
Social bonds:
When humans and dogs spend time together, both species release oxytocin, which can help form strong social bonds. Dogs can also recognize human facial expressions and react accordingly.
Other facts:
Many people consider their dogs part of their family, and dogs have appeared in religions worldwide, symbolizing humans' reverence for them. For example, during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, so many people refused to evacuate without their dogs that Congress passed a law requiring disaster preparedness plans to accommodate pets.
Let's also remember our other companions, such as cats, birds, ferrets, and lizards, whom we consider our friends and who deserve just as much love.
Happy International Day Of Friendship!
