Boy and his dog

By Rene Torres 

Special to the PRESS

With summer vacation about to end, the common groan heard from youngsters far and wide sounded something similar to this: “You are kidding me! You mean we gotta go back to school tomorrow, already!”
For those that had a pet, especially a dog, they would miss play time with their beloved pup and instead, tangle with homework.
When the first day of school came, it was inevitable that the boy and dog parted ways.  But it was not an immediate separation, as the pup followed along as far as he was allowed.  But then came a bark from a distance, a reminder that the long days of summer were over.
The given photo shows Charlie, displaying a forced smile, a fake one perhaps, as he knows that school time meant less time with his beloved friend.
Charles Tandy and M.J. had a deep and bonding relationship that was no different to what most humans have with their dogs.  A boy and his dog — thousands of words have been written about the special bond shared between man and dog.
What makes this bond so real? According to scientist at Japan’s Azabu University (well known for conducting research under the theme of Mankind, Animals and the Environment), the following explanation is given:
When man and dog look each other, each experience a surge of oxytocin.   A hormone associated with trust and love that is released at eye contact, which causes a lasting bondage.

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