MacLean, E. L., & Hare, B. (2015). Dogs hijack the human bonding pathway. Science, 348(6232), 1-2. doi.org/10.1126/science.aab1200 [PDF]
Tens of thousands of years ago, a wolflike predator gave rise to a more docile lineage, which soon became our trusted fireside companions. How did dogs become so embedded in human societies? Why do we feel genuine friendship, love, and social attachment in our relationships with dogs?