(RNN) - The love mankind has for dogs predates 5,000 years of recorded history.
A study conducted by the Journal of Archaeological Science determined dogs have been held in high regard for as long as 14,000 years.
The skeletal remains of a pre-historic puppy were unearthed in Oberkassel, Germany, in 1914. The bodies of two other humans were also found in the same grave.
According to National Geographic, it’s the earliest known grave shared by humans and dogs.
Scientists believe it is the earliest evidence of domestication. They point to the care the dog must have received as further evidence.
Veterinarian Luc Janssens reanalyzed the remains and concluded the dog suffered from canine distemper virus, according to National Geographic.
The Journal of Archeological Science found that the dog must have contracted the illness at about 19 weeks old. The study said canine distemper has a three-week disease course, so since the dog died at 28 weeks old, it must have benefited from human care.
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