“Man’s best friend.” Dogs did not get that moniker for being aloof around humans, but for loving them unconditionally no matter what the circumstances.
Now, new research reveals that dogs are not only capable of love, but that they have levels of love based on their familiarity with the person.
The scientific journal Current Biology released a study recently that proves when an owner comes home after being gone for five to seven hours, dogs tear up with joy.
In a media release, Takefumi Kikusui of Azabu University in Japan explained, “We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions. We also made the discovery of oxytocin as a possible mechanism underlying it.”
By measuring a standard amount of tear-production for a dog both before and after the dog was reunited with their owner, the science team was able to determine the dog’s increased volume of tears produced when being reunited with their owners.
The study showed a decreased volume of tears produced for a human with whom the dog had no previous contact.
This study goes on to confirm what a blessing dogs are for their owners. There are countless photos, videos and news stories of dogs disregarding their own safety to protect the lives of the ones they love so dearly.
God knew this when He created these loving animals, and they have shown through the millennia that they are able to be counted on when the going gets tough. He knew they would help humans get through sad times and depression, while standing by our side when danger rears its head.
From a hunter-gatherer society to nomadic living, rural agricultural to modern-day urban living, dogs have stuck by their owners through thick and thin, including sacrificing their own lives when called up to war.
It is amazing how science and the Word of God blend together when it comes to a humans and life with animals. Science shows the how, while the Word instructs us to treat God’s creations as in Proverbs 12:10, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
God truly blessed humanity with the best animal companion one could ask for. {eoa}
James Lasher is a Copy Editor for Charisma Media.
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