15,000 years ago, my ancestors were already by your side — tails wagging, noses to the wind, part of your pack. 🐕❤️ They are humankind’s best friend, and now ancient DNA analysis has revealed that the enduring bond between dogs and humans dates back more than 15,000 years. The groundbreaking research, published in the journal Nature, pushes back the oldest genetic evidence for domestic dogs by 5,000 years, revealing that hunter-gatherers were feeding the animals and giving them ritual burials long before the emergence of agriculture. The oldest specimen, dating to 15,800 years old, was buried alongside human remains in Anatolia, Turkey https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10112-7