The animals among us : the new science of anthrozoology

**The bestselling author of Dog Sense and Cat Sense explains why living with animals has always been a fundamental aspect of being human.**Pets have never been more popular. Over half of American households share their home with either a cat or a dog, and many contain both. This is a huge change from only a century ago, when the majority of domestic cats and dogs were working animals, keeping rodents at bay, guarding property, herding sheep. Nowadays, most are valued solely for the companionship they provide.As mankind becomes progressively more urban and detached from nature, we seem to be clinging on to the animals that served us well in the past. In The Animals Among Us, anthrozoologist John Bradshaw argues that pet-keeping is nothing less than an intrinsic part of human nature. An affinity for animals drove our evolution and now, without animals around us we risk losing an essential part of ourselves. A leading anthrozoologist and the bestselling author of Dog Sense and Cat Sense explains why we are so drawn to pets. Historically, we relied on our pets to herd livestock, guard homes, and catch pests. But most of us don't need animals to do these things anymore. Pets have never been less necessary. And yet, pet ownership has never been more common than it is today: half of American households contain a cat, a dog, or both. Why are pets still around? In The Animals Among Us , John Bradshaw, one of the world's leading authorities on the relationship between humans and animals, argues that pet ownership is actually an intrinsic part of human nature. He explains how our empathy with animals evolved into a desire for pets, why we still welcome them into our families, and why we mourn them so deeply when they die. Drawing on the latest research in biology and psychology, as well as fields as diverse as robotics and musicology, The Animals Among Us is a surprising and affectionate history of humanity's best friends. "The bestselling author of Dog Sense and Cat Sense explains why living with animals has always been a fundamental aspect of being human. Pets have never been more popular. Over half of American households share their home with either a cat or a dog, and many contain both. This is a huge change from only a century ago, when the majority of domestic cats and dogs were working animals, keeping rodents at bay, guarding property, herding sheep. Nowadays, most are valued solely for the companionship they provide. As mankind becomes progressively more urban and detached from nature, we seem to be clinging to the animals that served us well in the past. In The Animals Among Us, anthrozoologist John Bradshaw argues that pet-keeping is nothing less than an intrinsic part of human nature. An affinity for animals drove our evolution and now, without animals around us, we risk losing an essential part of ourselves"-- Provided by publisher The bestselling author of Dog Sense and Cat Sense explains why living with animals has always been a fundamental aspect of being human. Pets have never been more popular. Over half of American households share their home with either a cat or a dog, and many contain both. This is a huge change from only a century ago, when the majority of domestic cats and dogs were working animals, keeping rodents at bay, guarding property, herding sheep. Nowadays, most are valued solely for the companionship they provide. As mankind becomes progressively more urban and detached from nature, we seem to be clinging on to the animals that served us well in the past. In The Animals Among Us, anthrozoologist John Bradshaw argues that pet-keeping is nothing less than an intrinsic part of human nature. An affinity for animals drove our evolution and now, without animals around us we risk losing an essential part of ourselves. Keeping Pets Is Expensive, Time-consuming, And Seemingly Irrational - So Why Do So Many Of Us Have An Animal In Our Lives? Pet-keeping Is Much More Than Just A Simple Pastime. As John Bradshaw Reveals In This Highly Original New Work, Our Connection With Animals Is One Of The Very Things That Makes Us Human. In The Animals Among Us, Bradshaw Takes Us To The Heart Of Anthrozoology, A New Science Dedicated To Discovering The True Nature And Depth Of The Human-animal Bond. Following The Thread Of Our Affection For Animals, From Today's Pet Lovers All The Way Back To Our Ancient Ancestors, Bradshaw Reveals How Animals Have Always Been An Integral Part Of Our Lives- Indeed, They Have Shaped The Evolution Of Our Minds And Our Bodies. Now, As Increasing Numbers Of Species Are Under Threat, John Bradshaw Warns Us That If We Lose The Animals Among Us, We Risk Losing An Essential Part Of Ourselves. In this book, a leading authority on the relationship between humans and animals argues that pet ownership is actually an intrinsic part of human nature. He explains how our empathy with animals evolved into a desire for pets, why we still welcome them into our families, and why we mourn them so deeply when they die. Drawing on research in biology and psychology, as well as fields as diverse as robotics and musicology, this is a surprising and affectionate history of humanity's best friends