Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to explore the nature of the relationship between humans and dogs. The benefits of this study consist of making the community pay attention to how human-dog relationships can have a positive effect on the physical and mental health of individuals. This study used qualitative methods under phenomenological design to investigate the understanding of dog owners in Poblacion, Nabunturan about human and dog relationship. The study focused on the residents of Poblacion, Nabunturan, specifically the 10 dog owners who were selected through purposive sampling techniques. Using thematic analysis, the transcript of the interview was analyzed. Dog owners shared their insights based on the element of the given questions. Themes unveil from their responses to the question such as emotional bond and family connectivity, various motivations for entering the field of dog ownership, memorable Journeys towards dog ownership, health-giving and Social benefits of dog companionship, awareness of how to become a responsible dog owner, emotional and practical challenges towards dog health, achieving emotional resilience through various mechanisms of coping, successful preparation for the introduction of dog/s to their lives, choosing the right dog breed depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Findings show that the participants have seen their dogs as part of their family and companions. One of their reason for raising dogs is for security. They also stated in their experiences that dogs helped them in their overall well-being. They also faced challenges such as losing their dog/s and cleaning their dirt. Coping involves a lot of determination in order to heal completely. They advise aspiring dog owners to be aware of the responsibilities before adopting a dog/s. Future researchers may be able to further explain the topic of how dogs perceive human interaction since this study focuses on the owners’ experiences and challenges.
