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Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel

176 pages, 2020

Takeaways
Description

In Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel, Carl Safina explores the mysteries of animal thought and behavior for young readers. Weaving decades of field research with exciting new discoveries about the brain, Safina offers an extraordinary look at what makes these animals different from us, but more importantly, what makes them similar--namely, their feelings of joy, grief, anger, and love. 

These similarities between human and nonhuman consciousness and empathy allow the reader to reexamine how we interact with animals, as well as how we see our place in the world.

Understanding Animal Emotions

In 'Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel', Carl Safina explores the emotional lives of animals, particularly wolves and dogs. He suggests that these creatures experience emotions much like humans do, challenging the traditional belief that animals act purely on instinct.

The Social Structure of Wolves

Safina digs into the complex social structures of wolf packs. He finds that wolves have a strong sense of family and community, with each member playing a specific role. This insight can help us better understand and respect these often misunderstood creatures.

The Human-Dog Connection

The book also explores the deep bond between humans and dogs. Safina suggests that this connection is rooted in our shared social structures and emotional capacities. So next time you look into your dog's eyes, remember, they might understand more than you think.

Conservation and Respect for Nature

Safina's research also highlights the importance of conservation. He shows how human actions can disrupt the delicate balance of nature and the serious consequences this can have for animals like wolves. It's a call to action for us all to respect and protect our natural world.

The Complexity of Animal Intelligence

Finally, 'Beyond Words: What Wolves and Dogs Think and Feel' challenges us to rethink our assumptions about animal intelligence. Safina shows that animals are capable of complex thought and problem-solving, not just simple, instinctual behaviors. It's a fascinating look into the minds of our four-legged friends.