For thousands of years, in diverse environments, humans have domesticated numerous animal species. Among them, dogs and cats, who provide us with company and other services, occupy a special place. In the long run, incredibly rich bonds have developed.

Scientists have historically refrained from presuming that human societies could be the result of human interactions with animals. Dogs, horses and rodents are used in an ever-increasing variety of human activities, from police detection to animal-assisted therapy. It implies that we need to better understand their feelings and, at long last, be concerned about their well-being. Ethology was developed as early as the 1940s in this purpose, but it was not until the 1990s that real interest was shown in understanding emotional expressions of animals.

Drawing on a wide range of studies, as science, attitudes and the law have evolved, the author explores our relationship with companion animals in all its mutual benefits and their complexities. She illustrates her points with reflections, short personal accounts and humorous feedbacks, making this wide-ranging book not only fascinating but also highly accessible.