Dogs provide non-judgmental affection. For many women, a canine companion offers a safe space free from the complex expectations, judgments, and pressures often found in human-to-human relationships. Studies in anthrozoology (the study of human-nonhuman interactions) show that spending time with dogs elevates oxytocin levels—the hormone responsible for bonding and trust—in both the human and the animal. Companionship and Autonomy