Unlocking the Bond Reviews
“In Unlocking the Bond, Dr. Rustin Moore brings science and soul into conversation, revealing the duality of the human-animal bond and the deeper truths it uncovers. He is a rare storyteller who embraces contradiction, showing how love, loss, healing, and responsibility are forever intertwined. An illuminating and unforgettable read.”
— Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” Founder of Fear Free
“Dr. Rustin Moore superbly captures the transformative yet contradictory dynamic of the human-animal bond—how it heals, teaches, and unites us even amid its contrasts. Unlocking the Bond is an inspiring call to lead with empathy and science in equal measure.”
— Dr. Mike McFarland, Executive Director, Zoetis Foundation
“Unlocking the Bond builds powerfully on Dr. Rustin Moore’s first book, illuminating the dichotomy that defines human-animal connections. He shows how joy and loss, trust and uncertainty, science and emotion weave together to shape who we are. A deeply moving and thought-provoking read.”
— Dr. Molly McAllister, Chief Medical Officer, Mars Veterinary Health
“Dr. Rustin Moore has again given voice to the profound yet paradoxical power of the human-animal bond. Unlocking the Bond is a poignant reminder that compassion—born of both tension and tenderness between species—holds the power to change lives and, ultimately, the world.”
— Pete Scott, CEO, American Pet Products Association
“Drawing on his experience as a veterinarian and committed dog dad, Dr. Rustin Moore captures the science and soul of the human-animal bond, revealing its contrasting nature—where joy meets vulnerability and strength meets dependence. Unlocking the Bond shows how animals make us healthier, kinder, and more connected.”
— Steven Feldman, President, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
“In Unlocking the Bond, Dr. Rustin Moore builds on his earlier work with a powerful blend of science, empathy, and storytelling. He reveals how the human-animal bond—laced with harmony and tension—shapes our culture, our choices, and our future. A must-read for everyone who knows animals make us better humans.”
— Mark Cushing, Founder & CEO, Animal Policy Group, and Author of Pet Nation
“Dr. Rustin Moore illuminates the conflicting beauty and heartbreak of the human–animal bond with empathy and truth. Unlocking the Bond reveals how this connection thrives in tension—healing, humbling, and uniting us even in our most vulnerable moments.”
— Dr. Jon Geller, Founder, The Street Dog Coalition
“Dr. Rustin Moore illuminates the duality at the heart of every human-animal relationship—the tension between joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability that gives compassion its meaning. Unlocking the Bond reminds us, powerfully and beautifully, that healing is always reciprocal.”
— Dr. Apryl Steele, President & CEO, Colorado Humane
“Dr. Rustin Moore beautifully captures what so many of us feel but struggle to put into words—the magic, mystery, quiet tension, and conflicting emotions that give the human-animal bond its depth. Unlocking the Bond is a must-read for everyone who’s ever been changed by an animal’s love.”
— Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and Host, Steve Dale’s Pet World
“In Unlocking the Bond, Dr. Rustin Moore captures the essence of the strength and contradiction of human-animal relationships, where trust and instinct, courage and vulnerability, joy and sorrow coexist. This book will challenge and move you to laugh, cry and see our connections with animals in a new light.” — Dr. Todd French, Veterinarian, Human–Animal Bond Specialist and Consultant
“Few books have moved me as deeply. Dr. Moore helped me see the powerful contrast I had never considered—that the dog I once feared would burden my elderly parents instead became their greatest source of comfort, joy, and purpose in their final years. Unlocking the Bond illuminates how the human-animal bond shapes every corner of our lives. A true must-read.”
— Jeff Bennett