This book covers the many ways humans benefit from interactions with other living species. By studying animals of all kinds and sizes, from microbial organisms to elephants and whales, we can learn about their adaptations to extreme conditions on the planet Earth, about the evolutionary development of specialized capabilities, and about their ways of defending themselves against predators and diseases. The authors discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Homo sapiens, and how the study of animals can make us stronger and healthier. To deepen our knowledge of genetics, molecular and cell biology, physiology and medicine, we need to study model organisms. To cure human disease, we can learn from animals how they have evolved ways to protect themselves. To improve human performance, we can study the animal kingdom’s top performers and learn from their successes. Considering these important pointers, the authors review genetic engineering techniques that can translate our existing and future animal connections into benefits for human health and performance.

Written to inspire the loving connection to animals and nature. Liz shares her trials to triumph stories with you to guide you to a level of connection where you become the best version of yourself.

A bold, illuminating new take on the love of animals that drove human evolution. Why do humans all over the world take in and nurture other animals? This behavior might seem maladaptive—after all, every mouthful given to another species is one that you cannot eat—but in this heartening new study, acclaimed anthropologist Pat Shipman reveals that our propensity to domesticate and care for other animals is in fact among our species' greatest strengths. For the last 2.6 million years, Shipman explains, humans who coexisted with animals enjoyed definite adaptive and cultural advantages. To illustrate this point, Shipman gives us a tour of the milestones in human civilization-from agriculture to art and even language—and describes how we reached each stage through our unique relationship with other animals. The Animal Connection reaffirms our love of animals as something both innate and distinctly human, revealing that the process of domestication not only changed animals but had a resounding impact on us as well.

If you are looking beyond the ordinary for a true sense of adventure, let the mirage of animals between the covers of this book share their unique experiences with you. Once you climb on board, they will compel you into a world of primal contacts with nature that will broaden your perspective on life. As I became more absorbed in their individual encounters with nature and what each had to endure, I couldn't help but feel increasing respect for all of them. The thought occurred to me that they had a hand in writing this book as much as I did. May their discoveries become yours as well.

Intuitive Animal Connections is a heartwarming true story about the lessons learned from abandoned dogs after author, Jadi Kindred, saved them from euthanasia. Based on her abiding love and compassion for her animal friends, this book shares the countless ways that these homeless dogs have shifted her thinking, awakened her telepathic and intuitive capabilities and revealed an unexpected dimension of human-animal communication. Shared through a series of moving anecdotes about her early fostering experiences, the author takes readers on her inspiring journey, often surprising, of deepening relationships with these rescued dogs … each with their own lessons of healing. Lessons that will uplift, enlighten and provide readers with a rich context for personal growth.

Introduction to Human-Animal Interaction focuses on the human dimension of interacting with other animals. This book introduces recent developments, theories, and debates in the relatively new research area of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) and focuses on the social and life sciences aspect of these interactions. Experts from different academic disciplines provide an overview for students and professionals interested in how humans and other animals interact, and what advantages and disadvantages emerge for both parties in this relationship. The book starts with the theories and mechanisms supporting our interactions with animals, such as human-animal communication, and it then covers the implications of HAI in terms of ethics and welfare. After discussing cultural differences and forensic aspects in human-animal interaction (e.g., wildlife crime and animal abuse), the book examines evidence in the area of animal-assisted intervention. The final chapters give an overview of current research in specific human-animal interaction systems: human-pet, human-livestock and human-wildlife interaction. The book offers a scientific, evidence-based perspective on human-animal interaction, providing pedagogical tools to make a systematic, critical and constructive evaluation of research in HAI possible. It offers a range of in-text pedagogical features like a subject index, chapter MCQs, open questions, further reading, and additional digital resources including videos which are accessible via QR codes or through the associated website. This textbook provides the fundamental tools for achieving a comprehensive, current, and critical overview of the HAI field and is an integral text for undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking modules in human-animal interaction, in social sciences such as anthropology, cultural studies, criminology, ethics and laws or in life sciences such as animal behaviour, conservation and welfare, biology, neuroscience, physiology, psychology, public health and those studying veterinary science.

Animals are here with us and not for us. We can do better for our animal friends when we work together collectively and individually to make a difference; by joining hands in this next great, important social justice movement. A Voice for Animals offers insight on animal issues and the animal rights movement. The first part of the book examines the close connection we share with our beloved companion animals, and the plight of homeless animals. It bridges the gap between beloved pets and homeless pets in shelters. It offers solutions to end the shelter debacle. The second part discusses the lives of other species: farm animals, animals in research, animals in captivity, and wildlife. This book provides heartfelt real life animal stories, celebrates animal victories, and explores the deep connection of animals to humans and our biological need to share our lives with them. It inspires readers to take action and get motivated for animals: adopt animals from shelters and rescues, live a cruelty-free lifestyle, and go vegan. This book advocates for the better treatment of animals by inviting you to gain an understanding of the special human-animal bond.