It’s often said that a dog is a man’s best friend, and it’s easy to see why. The love and loyalty they show us, no matter how long we’ve been away, is truly unmatched. Whether it’s an hour, a day, or even 32 days, a dog’s reaction to reuniting with their beloved human always seems to be the same – pure, unadulterated joy.
Many military families know the pain of separation all too well. When a family member is deployed, it is undoubtedly tough for the entire family, but have you ever wondered how it affects the pets? Do dogs understand why their humans have to leave them? What do they feel when they are finally reunited?
The bond between dogs and their humans is incredibly strong, even if they have been separated for months or even years. Dogs have an uncanny ability to recognize their humans after long periods of separation. For one particular dog, the 32 days of separation from her human seemed like an eternity. When her soldier dad finally returned home, she couldn’t believe it. She ran down the front steps and straight into her dad’s arms, jumping up and down with excitement and energy. It was a touching scene that highlighted the depth of affection between dogs and their humans.
Interestingly, dogs don’t have the same concept of time as humans do. That’s why, regardless of the duration of the separation, they always react as if they’ve been away for a very long time. This unconditional love is one of the many reasons why humans cherish their canine companions. No matter the circumstances, once a special bond is formed, dogs will remain loyal and loving.
Moreover, researchers from Azabu University in Japan found that dogs even shed tears associated with positive emotions, such as reuniting with their owners. Takefumi Kikusui, one of the researchers, shared, “We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions…We also made the discovery of oxytocin as a possible mechanism underlying it. We had never heard of the discovery that animals shed tears in joyful situations, such as reuniting with their owners, and we were all excited that this would be a world first.”
It’s a touching discovery that reinforces the deep emotional connections dogs have with their humans. So, next time you reunite with your furry friend after some time apart, remember to check their eyes. You might just find a tear of joy that mirrors your own happiness at being together again.
Remember, the love and loyalty of our pets is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Let’s always make an effort to show them the same unconditional love and care that they shower upon us.
If this story touched your heart, please don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the love and appreciation for our furry companions.
Share this because you can make someone’s day.
