For the love of dogs

Americans love their pets. In 2018, we spent more than $72 billion feeding them, grooming them, training them, medicating them, and – much to the pets’ regret – clothing them. Dog owners, in particular, are quick to say dogs are special – not only because they are smart and social creatures, but because dogs love us back.

But do they really? Or are they just happy to see us because we hold the keys to the food? One animal behaviorist says he’s done the research, and he’s convinced that dogs do form emotional attachments with their owners. Friday on MPR News with Kerri Miller, we’ll talk to him about his work, his proof and – of course – his dog.

Guest:

• Clive Wynne, animal behaviorist, founding director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University and author of the new book “Dog is Love”

Kerri Miller also asked listeners to share photos of their dogs on Twitter, and started with a photo of her dog, Dara.

And here’s what listeners shared.