The Purest Bond

Understanding the Human-Canine Connection

By: Jen Golbeck, Stacey Colino

Narrated by: Jen Golbeck

This feel-good, comprehensive exploration of the profound bond between humans and dogs from Jen Golbeck, the “internet’s dog mom” behind the massive social media platform The Golden Ratio, and award-winning science writer Stacey Colino “will bring something magical and meaningful into your life” (Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling author).

Dogs have been considered people’s best friend for thousands of years, but never has the relationship between humans and their canine companions been as vitally important as it is today.

With all of the seismic shifts in today’s world, rates of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing, and people have been turning to their dogs for solace and stability. Amidst these dire realities, something wonderful has taken shape. In the United States alone, dog adoptions doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As people have brought furry friends into their lives for the first time or seized this opportunity to deepen the connections they already have, they are looking to understand how owning a dog can change their lives.

Weaving together groundbreaking research and touching real-life stories, The Purest Bond is an “informative and fun” (Publishers Weekly) exploration of not just the social benefits of owning a dog but the science of how dogs improve our emotional and physical health, mental acuity, and our ability to focus and absorb information. Most importantly, they remind us of what’s right in the world—love, trust, affection, playtime, fresh air, and sunshine—even when so much feels wrong.

Loved it!

A must read for dog parents. I’m a fan of the golden ratio and was so excited to support gr mom. I really loved this book. It deepened my appreciation, love, and understanding of my dog and made me want to be a better mom to her and helped me understand how to do that! Made me laugh out loud and tear up. Highly recommend!

Read this book if you have a dog!!

Very well researched look at the bond between dogs and people in their lives. Many entertaining stories with great tips and insights into dog behavior along with the science to back it up. Do not read Chapter 13 on your way to work or a happy event like a wedding. You will have puffy eyes and a tear-streaked face. But worth it.
Bonus: For those who love the Golden Ratio Podcast, you get to hear stories about the Golden Ratio squad and a clip of them barking as well as GR mom narrating. Plus a PDF with guides for pet owners.
Cons: Would have been better with a second narrator to break up the science and the stories.

a great book!

I learned so much from listening to this book. I am a dog person and it was so nice to hear about so many other dog people. they're just as nutty as I am. good work, thank you for the book

insightful

This book explains why memories of our good boy can still occasionally bring me to tears, 5 years after we let him go.

dogs rule

I loved this book and it has been such a help in exploring the bond between my dogs and me.