The Animal Attraction : Humans and their Animal Companions [Paperback]

Dr. Jonica Newby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0733308244 | ISBN-13: 978-0733308246 | Edition: 2

Why is it that of all the animals human beings have domesticated, the longest and most enduring connection has been with dogs and cats? How have we physically shaped each other - and influenced each other's language and cultures? This authoritative book looks at the whole relationship between domestic pets and their human owners. Explores the research and researchers who have expanded our knowledge of this important link. An enthralling account of an immensely subtle and complex relationship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...by far the best picture, of any book I know, of the place of the dog in human society. -- Dr. Colin P. Groves, Dept. of Archaeology & Anthrophology, Australian National University

Any pet lover will enjoy "The Animal Attraction." -- Barb Steward

The Animal Attraction is a fascinating new book on the evolutionary relationship between humans and domesticated animals, principally dogs. -- Troy Michael Knapp

About the Author

Jonica Newby's childhood was heavily influenced by four cats, a Scottish Terrier, two mice, several horses, a few stud Herefords and 2000 head of sheep. These, and the discovery at the age of four that she could speak cat language, led inevitably to Murdoch University and a first class honours degree in Veterinary Science.

After working for several years as a vet in mixed practice, Dr. Newby joined the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (a autonomous, non-profit organisation) from 1993 to 1998, where she discovered the fascinating new field of the study of human-animal interactions. A trip to Geneva in 1995 to attend an international conference on that subject provided the final inspiration for this book and the associated ABC radio and television series. A former member of the board of the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr. Newby now writes and broadcasts about matters animal and scientific on a full-time basis.

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: ABC Book; 2 edition (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0733308244
• ISBN-13: 978-0733308246
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,462,368 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing, stimulating, amazing book!, July 10, 2005

By 

L. Schlumpf "Alaska In My Dreams Film Studios" (Chugiak, AK United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Animal Attraction : Humans and their Animal Companions (Paperback)

While studying for cynology certification, I read this book for class. Written by a veterinarian and cynologist, I've never read a book that encouraged me quite this much to delve deeper into the subject and to cross reference so many other books. The appendix contains an overwhelming amount of books to further my studies. The book is worth reading just to find out the latest research into the origin of man, where he moved on land, and how he developed with the dog by his side beginning about 100,000 years ago.
Never a "yawner," this book kept me up until 3am many nights because I just couldn't put it down. The way the author explains theories and development of the domesticated canine is really a mind jolt. Thanks so much for such a great piece of work!

The author's references to other works on the subject is exhaustive and intriguing. I learned so much about so many things concerning the behavior, development, and the canine adaptation and domestication in this book. I could not even begin to tell you all the things I learned about dogs and cats that I never knew.