Dogs are easily the best thing to ever happen to the human race. And here’s why:
1. Dogs make your day better.
Anytime I’m angry at the world for letting someone as racist and sexist as Trump be a serious presidential candidate or seeing people too scared to travel due to numerous terrorist attacks, I can look into the trusting, loving eyes of my puppy and something about that look makes me take a deep breath and calm down. She’s an ever-present reminder that there is still good all around us.
2. Good listener.
When your friends are 100% done with your endless rants about your significant other, or your struggles to get ready for school, you can talk it out with your dog as they lay dutifully by your side and listen to every word.
3. Cuddle buddy.
There is nothing that makes me feel sleepier and more peaceful than snuggling up to my warm, velvety-soft canine best friend, particularly after a long, taxing day. She’s 1,000 times cuddlier than any stuffed animal and makes adorable breathing noises in her sleep.
4. Instant connections.
You have a dog? OMG show me pictures! What's his name? Your bond is officially solidified.
5. Reason for people to hang out with you (or vice versa).
If you aren’t the most social or creative, your dog can easily serve as a gateway to social interaction. Even going for a walk can lead to running into dozens of other exercisers (and more puppies). If you don’t feel like leaving the house, you can entice people to yours with little effort besides casually throwing out the clincher: you can meet my dog.
6. Conversation starter.
Want to talk to someone but don’t know what to say? Send them a quick pic of your dog: guaranteed response.
7. Online dating is vastly improved.
It’s no secret that many people “swipe right” just to get more information on a dog they see in a profile picture. At the very least, you’ll get more matches and hopefully meet other dogs of fellow app-users. And who knows, maybe the human could be interesting too. Icing on the cake am I right?
8. They’re just so adorable.
I can’t even count the amount of times I look at my dog and can’t help but exclaim “You are so cute” in a single day. Upwards of a hundred, surely. And while I’m biased in believing she is, in fact, the cutest dog to ever exist, I fall in love with every single dog I see. We really don’t deserve them.
9. Dogs are always happy to see you.
Whether you just returned from a month long vacation or a 30 minute trip to the grocery store, dogs will pounce you and lick you everywhere the moment you walk through the door.
10. There’s a dog for everyone.
Sadly, I am one of a terribly afflicted subgroup of humans that was born allergic to these wonderful creatures. Thus, I must be cautious in approaching new dogs. Thankfully there is quite a bit of diversity in the dog world and my family was able to acquire a hypoallergenic Labradoodle. Can’t say the same about cats...
11. They come in so many sizes.
Whether you want a baby-sized friend to carry around with you at all times, a horse-sized huggable buddy or somewhere in between, dogs have got you covered.
12. Dogs teach responsibility.
As adorable as they are, they are still living, breathing creatures that have needs. As you continue to care for a dog, you gain a whole new appreciation and respect for the people that cared for you when you were as small and helpless as them.
13. Endless love.
They’re basically the only one who will love you endlessly and unconditionally. Except your mom, probably. We need to appreciate puppies every day for how wonderfully accepting and giving creatures they truly are.
