Science has questioned whether animals are capable of love. But anyone with a pet knows that animals feel a wide range of emotions, including anger, happiness, sadness, disgust, fear and surprise.

"Animals have a strong bond to love each other," said Marc Bekoff, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the university of Colorado and author of The Emotional Lives of Animals.

Bekoff says there's considerable evidence that many animals are capable of feelings, and the latest science argues for the existence of love in many different species. Numerous species' brain chemistry is identical or similar to ours that allows us to feel love.

In his new book, Animal Manifesto, Bekoff urges us to be more mindful of our interactions with animals. One way is to make a commitment to care for an animal that is suitable to our lifestyle.

Dogs and cats form attachments — to us and to each other — and that's why we want to shower them with love, says Dr. Stephanie LeFarge, ASPCA

（American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 美国防止虐待动物协会） senior director of counseling services， "They sacrifice their lives for Ls，

and put our needs in front of their own," she noted. "Animals are hardwired to greet each other," LeFarge said. "The animal is glad to see you, and it's not because you are going to whip out a treat. " In fact, a nice greeting is an invitation to feel good and the beginning of the human/ animal bond.

Bekoll says the best way for us to show our love for our companion animals is to treat them with respect and dignity, to bond with them, feed them well and to provide them comfort.