The healing power of the bond between men and dogs is explored in this unique book. Three
important themes emerge: attachment loss and continued bonds with canine companions for males
across the life span and from various contextual backgrounds. The contributors replace common
assumptions with needed context pertaining to men's emotions and relationships starting with
the impact of gender norms on attachment and including robust data on how canine companionship
may counter Western culture socialization. The chapters engage readers with details pertaining
to ways in which dogs help men develop stable caring relationships process feelings and cope
with stress - within a variety of environments including home school and treatment programs
for veterans prisoners and youth. The book also address men's loss of companion animals and
the need for building new ways of sustaining the memory and meaning of the bond in males' lives
referred to as a continuing bond. From these various vantage points therapeutic insights and
relevant findings bring a new depth of understanding to this compelling topic. Included in the
coverage: Masculine gender role conflict theory research and practice: implications for
understanding the human-animal bond in males' lives. At-risk youth and at-risk dogs helping one
another. An examination of human-animal interaction as an outlet for healthy masculinity in
prison. Exploring how the human-animal bond affects men's relational capacity to make and
sustain meaningful attachment bonds with both human and animal companions .< Older adults and
companion animals: physical and psychological benefits of the bond. Continuing the bonds with
animal companions: implications for men grieving the loss of a dog. Probing the deeper concepts
behind man's best friend Men and Their Dogs provides a rich clinical understanding of this
timeless bond and should be of special interest to health psychologists clinical
psychologists academicians social workers nurses counselors life coaches and dog lovers.
