Michele Silva-Cummin
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Michele currently works as a psychologist in private practice. Michele has had an interest in the study of human animal bonds throughout most of her life and is keen to conduct research in the area.
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Michele is currently undertaking her PhD. Her thesis is a study of the factors that are conducive to the adoption of a puppy and its successful rearing to adulthood within a human domestic environment.
This study aims to identify and analyze the many factors that are implicated in a successful adoption, which is defined by the puppy being reared to adulthood by its original owner.
The human - animal bond is a complex one which has evolved and essentially changed through time. It appears reciprocal in nature, where the adaptive needs for humans and to a degree, animals seem to have been met. However, the relationship has been unequal, where certain types of animals such as those kept as companion animals and as livestock, were and currently are, maintained to meet primarily human needs, whilst benefits to animals are incidental or secondary. Of greatest complexity is the bond between humans and companion animals. Humans have had an ambivalent relationship with companion animals and this is particularly noticeable in the bond shared with canines.
The keeping of companion animals is an action that involves emotional commitment. It is likely that the human companion bond, as it is today, was consolidated 200 years ago, where its affective nature that is one of tenderness, affection and devotion, was recognized as the prominent aspects of human emotion at the core of pet keeping. Dogs can be considered as part of human society and not independent of it, however, their status is precarious. Often the tenuous nature of this bond becomes evident when media coverage gives publicity to the many discarded animals after Christmas in most Western countries. An article in Melbourne's newspaper The Herald Sun draws attention to the plight of some companion animals. In her column Robyn Riley writes 'What a disgrace that more than 300 animals have been dumped at the Lost Dogs' Home in the past fortnight' (Herald Sun, January 8, 2004). Human society is well aware of this precarious relationship and efforts have been made to improve the lot of companion animals. Slogans such as 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' are commonly seen, as are the burgeoning number of animal welfare organizations and the public's interest in them. Despite this, more needs to be known about the nature of the human companion animal bond in order to improve the welfare of less fortunate animals making the relationship mutually rewarding and reducing costs to society caused by neglected or discarded dogs.
Research needs to help define the factors which enable a successful partnership which ensures that companion animals are more likely to be treated humanely and as a result of this successful partnership, remain within the adopted home. It is important to identify factors within both the human and canine domains that propagate a successful partnership.
The study aims to examine variables such as:
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Human attitudes towards animals,
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Human attachment and empathy towards animals,
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Human personality,
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Family structure and function,
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Stability factors within the human environment, such as accommodation, family change and employment,
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Cost and reasons for acquisition dog,
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Human education / knowledge regarding dog behaviour,
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Past experience with dogs,
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Physical features of the dog,
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Planning for and daily routine management of the dog,
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Characteristics of the dog's physical environment.
The study will be longitudinal in design where the owners of a sample group of puppies will be surveyed at the point of each puppy's initial vaccination and then again at two consecutive 6 month intervals. It is hoped that variables that are associated with successful rearing of puppies to adulthood will be identified.