Raevaara:Warum uns Hunde glücklich mach

An entertaining insight into the shared history of dogs and humans. When Tiina Raevaara realizes after a burnout that she can only truly relax in the company of her dog, she begins to explore the special relationship between humans and dogs. Why do animals evoke such strong empathy? What does the bond with animals mean in terms of evolution and human development? In a mix of personal reflections and research reports, she describes in this literary essay the shared journey of humans and dogs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the essence of humanity and its relationship with nature.

Personal accounts intertwined with the expertise of a PhD biologist. A few years ago, author Tiina Raevaara was so exhausted that her body was in a constant state of alertness. Being around other people drained her, but with her dog by her side, her body and mind could finally relax. During long walks with her dog, Raevaara began to reflect on the causes of her exhaustion and question why she sought the company of animals rather than humans, and why the presence of a dog generally enhances well-being.

Starting from her personal situation, the PhD biologist poses questions: Who influenced whom? How has the human-dog relationship affected our genes, and does this explain our need for four-legged companions? Was our evolution influenced by the domestication of animals, and if so, why was the dog such a significant species in this context? As Tiina Raevaara recognized how important the connection to dogs is for human nature, she ultimately began to understand more about herself as well.

Readers accompany Raevaara and her dog on their walks through Finnish forests, learning almost incidentally and without scientific jargon.