A new study by Talker Research finds 87% of dog owners in serious relationships are more likely to believe in “love at first sight” with animals than people.

The research, which was commissioned by The Honest Kitchen, also had some interesting insights about dog owners with partners and their love for their pets.

Talker Research conducted the survey with 2,000 dog owners in serious relationships. In the study, results found that 80% of the respondents had an “instant connection” with their dog, compared to 69% who said the same about their partner.

However, one in five (19%) said it still took time to build a bond with their dog. And of those dog owners, 20% questioned whether they made the right decision in adopting their pet because they didn’t have an instant connection.

But like any blooming and beautiful relationship, 74% of the respondents think that the bond between them and their dog is stronger because they had to build it over time – definitely something that they find worth the wait!

The survey also asked the respondents if there was anything they wish they knew before adopting their dog.

“A variety of these answers related to food — which may not be surprising, as 76% said food is their “love language” and they take great care in feeding their dog “only the best,”” Talker Research reveals.

Other respondents would have liked to know the “true investment of time” that comes with dog ownership, and how similar it is to raising human children.

Despite some hurdles, some dog owners are still surprised at how happy they’ve become after getting a dog. They wrote that if they knew “the amount of joy they bring, I would have gotten one sooner.”

Results found this to be true as 83% of the respondents said that pet ownership is better than what they expected.

And the same number of respondents agree that while pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Miki Dosen, CMO at The Honest Kitchen said, “There’s so much to look forward to when you have a dog, but we wouldn’t be honest if we didn’t acknowledge how hard it can be, too.”

“At the end of the day it’s the full experience — both highs and lows — that make it one of the most meaningful relationships people have in their lives.”

You can find the full data of the survey here.

* This article was originally published here