Creekside Critter Care

12/02/2025

11/26/2025

But we didn’t really need science to tell us this. 😍

You probably already knew your dog loves you - but science says your dog feels it just like you do.

A study from Japan found that when dogs and their humans lock eyes, something incredible happens in both their bodies.
They both get a strong spike in oxytocin, the same hormone that helps babies bond with their parents.

Oxytocin is sometimes called the “love hormone.”
It’s released during hugs, close contact, and moments of emotional connection.
Turns out, looking into your dog’s eyes works the same way.

Researchers at Azabu University studied how dogs and owners interact.
When dogs held eye contact with their humans for longer periods, both the dog and the person had significantly higher oxytocin levels.
It was strongest in female dogs and owners, but the effect was seen in both men and women.

What’s really interesting is that this response didn’t happen with wolves raised by humans.
It seems to be a special bond that dogs evolved to share with us.

The researchers even gave dogs a little boost of oxytocin through a nasal spray, and the dogs then stared even longer at their humans.
That caused an even bigger spike in oxytocin for the people too.

In simple terms - your dog looks at you and feels love.
You look back and feel the same.

This might explain why the human-dog connection feels so deep.
It’s not just loyalty.
It’s biology.

Sources:
Dogs are man's best friend thanks to bonding hormone, research shows - The Guardian
Here is the biggest reason you love your dog - TIME
The science behind human-dog mutual appreciation - WIRED
Oxytocin-gaze positive loop between dogs and owners - Science, via PubMed

11/24/2025

‘Troid is very grateful she is not a turkey. (We haven’t told her about Christmas yet - kidding)

11/19/2025

Kitty on a Zafu 🕉️

08/19/2025

Creekside Critter Care participated in the Lake Meridian Triathlon. Our relay team, Anne swam, Joe biked and Maryellen ran.

06/16/2025

Guess what? I am NOT a doodle!

06/07/2025

PawFest 2025 - a huge success 🐾🐶😻🐾
Thanks for stopping by for a chat! 😍

06/03/2025

Stop by and see us at PawFest this Saturday in Kent! 🐾😻🐶🐾

Adopt a dog or cat, get help licensing your pet and more at Pawfest. The event is sponsored by the City of Kent and Regional Animal Services of King County. It includes a pet costume contest, demos from dog agility teams, dog trainers, pet information booths and food trucks!

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day - we hope all you Moms get to relax and feel the love today and always! 🥰

05/08/2025

A lotta Labs plus Milo!

04/28/2025

Rest in Peace, Ruby Tuesday you had a long run at 21 plus years, the void your tiny being left is un fathomable.

Here's a short video of Ruby, a sweet old dog we knew.

04/21/2025

“On the count of three - JUMP!”