New research from Emory University has found that dogs love their owners deeply and see them as family. The study scanned dog's brains and found that the smell of their owner activates their "rewards center", similar to how humans feel when they receive a treat. Additionally, dogs are hard-wired to seek out and respond to human emotions, looking for emotional support and protection just like a child would. It's clear that our furry friends need us more than we ever imagined.