The Dog Who Couldn't Stop Loving: How Dogs Have Captured Our Hearts for Thousands of Years

Dog lovers get ready – Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, international bestselling author of Dogs Never Lie About Love (which the San Francisco Chronicle calls "winning and wise," and "a charming paean to our best friends"), is back with an inspiring, heart-warming, and deeply personal exploration of the unique relationship between humans and dogs. As in When Elephants Weep, The Face on Your Plate, an The Pig Who Sang to the Moon, Masson blends cultural mythology, scientific research, and stories of his own experiences to tackle deep questions about the emotional lives of humans and animals. His compelling, elegant, and often humorous narrative about the love people feel for dogs (perfect for fans of John Grogan's Marley & Me) gives a new perspective on the extraordinary relationship between our species.

There is something very special in our bond with dogs. No other animals love us in quite the same way as dogs love us. And it is mutual. Is it possible that we developed our capacity for love, sympathy, empathy, and compassion because of our long association with dogs?

Having experienced a profound bond with his own dog, Benjy—a failed guide dog for the blind who possesses an abundance of uninhibited love—author Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson knows dogs’ reciprocal affection is not unique, but exemplifies a love affair unequaled in the animal world. In The Dog Who Couldn’t Stop Loving, Masson considers the far-reaching consequences of the coevolution of dogs and humans with wisdom, insight, and a brilliant analysis of recent scientific findings, delivering a compelling, provocative book that will change the way we think about love and our canine companions.

“In his story of Benjy, the dog who couldn’t stop loving, Masson does a thought-provoking job of leveling the playing field between us and other species while also posing fascinating questions about the emotional makeup of our closest companion in the animal kingdom, our dogs.” - Ted Kerasote, author of Merle’s Door

“I greatly enjoyed this remarkable book, not only for it’s captivating narrative, but also for fascinating information which will surprise even those who love animals and are attuned to the natural world. Jeffrey Masson writes amazing books, and this one is true to form. It’s excellent.” - Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Life of Dogs

“Masson is at his most personal and appealing in this book, especially when he writes about Benjy.” - Publishers Weekly

“An enjoyable book for dog lovers.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A fascinating exploration of the unique relationship [between dogs and humans].” - Booklist

“A wonderful, inspiring book with a wealth of new information even for those who are better informed than most on the subject. It gains strength with every turn of the page, exudes Masson’s (and Benjy’s) love for others, and ends with a stirring answer to the vexing question, ‘What’s the purpose of life?’ Bravo.” - Tom Regan, author of Defending Animal Rights