Who said dogs aren't as special as kids? Researchers at Tokyo's Azabu University found out that humans generate high oxytocin levels after playing with dogs. Oxytocin is a "bonding" hormone associated with romantic love, friendship, and childcare; it does wonderful things like lower stress levels, fight depression, and breed trust. People always tell me that loving a dog is nothing like loving your own child; I have yet to find out if this is true to me, but I know for a fact that my oxytocin levels are healthily high because of Ruby and Malcolm (above).
Link (Thanks, Ann!)
Uhhh, maybe you should take your bowl off of the table before you take a picture.
D
Posted by: David | January 20, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Now that's what I call therapeutic!
Posted by: stevicus | January 20, 2009 at 04:59 PM
"...I know for a fact that my oxytocin levels are healthily high..." - Indeed
Anyways, I enjoy a good dose of "oxytocin", like playing with puppies, but pets and children on a day-to-day basis, I can do without.
Posted by: vagrant | January 21, 2009 at 10:35 PM
That bowl has barely been used. What a great shot for such a popular blog! Got a screenshot, just in case...
Posted by: Basho Watson | January 23, 2009 at 07:08 AM