What if a human and a dog stood side-by-side and both needed help, but you could only choose one. It wouldn’t be an easy decision, would it?
The bond between human and dog is an incredible thing. It’s amazing to see what people will do for their beloved dogs, whether it’s throwing them an extravagant birthday party or making sure they only eat the highest quality kibble.
Some studies reveal when it comes to feeling empathy, many people pick pooches over other people. Does that surprise you?
Now, research from Northeastern University in Boston suggests that the human-canine bond trumps almost all other relationships.
For their study, Northeastern professors Jack Levin and Arnold Arluke set out to find out just how strongly we feel about dogs compared to adults and children.
The co-authors gathered 240 men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 and measured their levels of empathy when told about the suffering of a dog, compared to the suffering of a child or adult.
Unsurprisingly, stories of a dog’s suffering and a child’s suffering elicited the strongest responses from participants, whereas stories of adult victims made the respondents “significantly less distressed.”
Move on to the next page to learn more about this fascinating study on human empathy, and make sure to SHARE it with your dog-loving friends!
Misti Taylor
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I’m one of those people.
Jim Reed
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Dogs are better and that is why, they don’t talk behind your back, cheat on you, be phoney, etc.
Sharyn Gritton
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Yes, I believe that……….
Karen Marolf Lambert
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I agree!
Scott Stretch Ryan
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Of course we do they are loyal and give you unwavering love beyond love for themselves for their entire lives. What human does that? Very few would lay down their lives for another’s.
Pauletta Evans-hanselman
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Are we surprised?
Sally Polaczek
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Me two love them
Ann Drazenovich
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What she said!
Sami Yarlett
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Agree
Rehtaeh Egap
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Absolutely.
Tammy Spaleta
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Unconditional loves !!!!!
Shahana Huda
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Very true
Lisa Don
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I love puppy dogs more than humans and that is for sure and a true story..
Connie Clark
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Yep!
Annette Belles
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I believe that 100%!!
Noreen Lynch Seiter
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I hope I never have to make that choice.
Joni Wells
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For sure!
Johnnie Adkins
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I would pick my Princess. Others can take care of themselves. It’s not a question.
Michelle Hoffmann
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Without a doubt.b
Marco A. Navarro
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Oddly enough my dogs love humans more than other dogs. My 2 Pitts are more likely to snap and go after a stray dog wondering into our neighborhood than they are a human, especially if the kids are outside playing. We’re working on that.
Virginia Sakalauskas
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Yes because dogs show more feelings, love & support than a lot of people I unfortunately know? ✨
Katelynn Parker
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Travis Parker
Beata Tarczon
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Not sprained at all
Beata Tarczon
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Supraised
Beata Tarczon
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Me. I love animals and tolerate people
Mary Hilgers
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Sounds right to me!
Dee Ison Vermilion
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Emily Vermilion. ❤️
Jane Lyons Mayzes
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Particularly people who have been deeply hurt by other people.
Debbie Weber
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Dog!! And i also love my cocker spaniel
Debra Hubbard
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I agree. I definitely love dogs more than humans. With the exception of my family. Well most of them lol
Katilyn Clayton
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The empathy that animals feel for us and one another makes them far superior to us.
Henry Holliday
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screw other humans dogs are pawesome
Camilla Ryborg
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I love dogs more Than humans
Gaynor Fisher
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U BET I DO
Joe Scicluna
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Good dogs
Yuvraaj Rana JI
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Absolutely Right
Kevin Kelly
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Been best friend ever
Janice Notkin Bombar
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Ania Parys
Ania Parys
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Old news. Lol
Melanie Packman
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Yup
Christine Magno
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I do, love unconditional, they have more heart and soul then anyone I know!!
Farrell Lynn
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They needed a study to know this?
Dawn Waterman
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Why not, the don’t have hidden agendas or take their spite out on you. They just give love and licks.
Jason Lutterman
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Yup
Donna Denvers
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Yup
Virginia van Domselaar
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My precious!
Elizabeth Mary Weall
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I have known that for years! Much prefer animals to some people I have met.
Leslie McDuffie
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Agreed!