Everyone has a special animal they cherish the most. For some it may be a cat, bunny, or horse, but for others it’s a dog. No matter what kind is your favorite, we can all agree that animals are the best companions! For all my dog lovers out there, you know that on days good and bad, your dog always seems to make it better. Here are 9 reasons why we love our dogs:
1. They’re adorable, obviously.
From golden retrievers, labs and huskies to poodles, pugs, and pomeranian’s – there are so many adorable breeds and you just can’t discriminate! I have a five-pound Yorkie named Pebbles and she is the cutest thing, I always find myself snapping adorable pictures of her because I simply can’t resist. All dogs, no matter what shape, color, or size, are hard not to love.
2. Dogs love to cuddle.
Cuddling with humans is an important part of canine domestication. Puppies snuggle to keep warm, but it’s not just about that. Research shows that cuddling is one way in which our dogs strengthen their bond with us. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever, increasing oxytocin levels in both dogs and humans. Research has shown that it is more important for dogs to bond with their owners than for other pets (sorry to the cat lovers out there). And even if your dog isn’t a cuddler, for whatever reason, it’s just comforting to have them around.
3. No one will give you a better greeting.
Dogs are some of the most affectionate creatures, and their behavior proves it. When you come home after a long day, their excitement can be borderline out of control. But, you still can’t help but smile when you realize how happy they are to see you. Some dogs will even bring you their favorite toy or retrieve your slipper when you come home from school or work. It’s their way of giving you a “gift.” I’m sure they give us these excited greetings because they miss us more than we know.
4. They like to be active with you.
I don’t know about you, but my dog follows my family members and I around all day, every day. They are by your side 24/7 and always there when you need them. They’re always hoping to go out for a walk, swim, run, a catch in the backyard, or even a car ride. They’re down to attend any event they can, and since they should be walked daily, they keep you in shape!
5. Dogs are loyal.
This loyalty could stem from the fact that dogs view themselves as our equals – not a separate species. They are pack animals, and naturally seek alliances with other dogs, people, and other animals. Even though they no longer live in the wild, dogs still have an instinct for friendship, making them the perfect companion.
6. Dogs are trustworthy.
Dogs are trustworthy in three ways. First, you can always trust that they will protect you (more so with the bigger breeds like German Shepard’s as opposed to Chihuahuas). Second, you can trust your dog will never judge or criticize you, (probably because they have no idea what’s going on). Third, dogs are trustworthy in the sense that you should never trust someone your dog doesn’t like. A dog’s instincts are never wrong, so if your dog doesn’t like someone, RUN!
7. They can sense things.
Dogs can sense more than just a thunderstorm. Dogs can truly sense how people feel. They are sensitive to our feelings and our well-being. Dogs know when we are sad, and they even adjust their behavior accordingly by being more subdued, coming over and lying down by our feet, or resting their heads in our laps. It’s their way of comforting us. If something is wrong, my dog will try and cheer me up by jumping on me, licking my face, or wanting to play. It’s like when it comes to understanding human emotions and needs, our pups have a sixth sense.
8. They make you feel like the most important person in the world.
Whenever I am home from Scranton and am the last one home on a weekend night, my dog will lay outside my bedroom door and wait for me until I come home. So sweet. Also, have you ever picked up your dog from the kennel after a long vacation? They run at you full force, and bark and jump and wag their tails like crazy! You can’t help but feel special when they do that. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to when coming home from vacation.
9. Dogs are truly are a man’s (or college girl’s) best friend.
In the end, all dogs want is to be loved. Just like people, they look for affection and someone to share their life with. With a dog, you will never be lonely. When we provide our dogs with the love they are looking for, loyalty is just one of the many ways they love us back. They not only become our best friends, but a part of our families.