Companion Animals and Us

Exploring the Relationships between People and Pets

James A Serpell editor Anthony L Podberscek editor Elizabeth S Paul editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:21st Jul '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Companion Animals and Us cover

This insightful book examines the deep connections between humans and pets, exploring historical, emotional, and health-related aspects of these relationships.

In Companion Animals and Us, the intricate bond between humans and their pets is thoroughly examined, revealing the reasons behind our enduring affection for these animals. With over half of households in Western societies owning pets, this book delves into the historical and contemporary significance of these relationships. It poses essential questions about our emotional connections with animals and whether these ties have evolved from those of our ancestors.

The text highlights the rapid growth in research regarding human-companion animal interactions over the last three decades. It brings together insights from various disciplines, such as anthropology, psychology, and sociology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and implications of pet ownership. Readers will find themselves contemplating the health advantages pets may offer and how they might foster empathy and social connections among humans.

Companion Animals and Us is not just for scholars; it appeals to anyone intrigued by the complexities of our relationships with animals. The book encourages readers to reflect on what pet-keeping reveals about our identities and interpersonal dynamics. By exploring these themes, it offers a deeper appreciation of the roles pets play in our lives and the lessons they impart about companionship and care.

' … a good overview of the relationship between people and pets. As an excellent reference source for the most recent literature on the subject, it invites you to pursue specific interests further.' Animal Welfare
' … a book which opens up many areas of research and allows professionals from different disciplines to broaden their way of thinking. The book is easy to read and each chapter can be read as a complete entity. I would recommend it for anyone interested in animals and how and why we interact with them.' J. K. Blackshaw
'This is a book I would recommend to anyone wanting an introduction to this subject. It adds to the interest of the book that most chapters are likely to contain something that you will wish you could discuss with the authors in greater detail.' Stephen Blakeway, The Society for Companion Animal Studies Journal
'… an all-embracing review of the subject'. Andrew Edney, European Journal of Companion Animal Practice
'… a book which opens up many areas of research and allows professionals from different disciplines to broaden their way of thinking. The book is easy to read and each chapter can be read as a complete entity. I would recommend it for anyone interested in animals and how and why we interact with them'. J. K. Blackshaw, Australian Veterinary Journal
'Companion Animals and Us is an excellent introduction to an exciting and productive area of inquiry, replete with fascinating questions and the methodological tools to answer them.' Harold Herzog, Anthrozoös
'The editors have done well with the text … very readable indeed for those of us absorbed in the subject … will be required reading for those who wish to be well informed on companion animals and human health … the whole subject of human/animal relationships could be seen as rather esoteric by some. However, it attracted the attention of complete strangers travelling on the train to London as I read this book. This was not just for the attractive Franz Marc painting on the cover. Andrew T. B. Edney, The European Journal of Companion Animal Practice
'… a book which opens up many areas of research and allows professionals from different disciplines to broaden their way of thinking … easy to read and each chapter can be read as a complete entity. I would recommend if for anyone interested in animals and how and why we interact with them.' J. K. Blackshaw, Australian Veterinary Journal
'This book is very interesting – anybody interested in pets should read it!' Marlies Halder, Alternative to Laboratory Animals
'Some of these essays are brilliant, many are original and creative, and all are informative in one way or another, making this book an insightful and stimulating read.' Stephen H. Webb, Ethics, Place and the Environment

ISBN: 9780521017718

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 20mm

Weight: 510g

348 pages