I have had my dog, Polar, for two years now and he is the light of my life. He is always there for me to talk to and snuggle with. Without him, who would I take naps with or eat human food with?
If you don't currently have a dog or don't think you need one, here are 21 reasons to get the best furry creature there is:
1. Dogs increase your mood.
Spending time with your dog can help you feel more calm and relaxed. It also reduces stress and increases happiness. Playing with your pup can increase your brain's levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with pleasure and tranquility.
Puppy cuddles trump all.
2. Having a dog improves your health.
Going on daily walks with your dog can get you and your pup the daily exercise you both need. You can also get your exercise playing with them at the park. And who doesn't love watching your dog run or even face plant while trying?
3. Dogs make us laugh.
According to a study published in the journal "Society and Animals," people who own dogs laugh more. And how could you not? These little creatures are always doing silly things.
4. Having a dog may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Studies show that hanging with your pooch can lower your blood pressure. Lower blood pressure can cause a lower risk of different illnesses.
Cuddling your dog and no heart disease? It's a win-win.
5. Dogs are loyal.
Dogs have evolved from wolves, and wolves are known for the strong bonds between pack members. Dogs see their human owners as fellow members of their pack, and that is why they are so loyal. People are temporary; dogs are forever.
6. Your arrival will always be greeted with excitement.
No matter how long you've been gone, five minutes or seven hours, your dog will always be excited to see you. From kisses to dancing, your dog will always greet you with their tail wagging.
7. Love, love and more love.
Studies show that dogs have a strong emotional connection with their owners. This emotional connect is unique within the animal kingdom and can even be stronger than the connection between humans.
All in all, no one will love you as much as your dog.
8. Puppy kisses are the best kisses.
Your dog will give the best puppy kisses. You feeling sad? Puppy kisses can fix it. Angry? Time for puppy kisses.
Who even needs a boyfriend when you can kiss your dog?
9. You will never be lonely.
Gone are they days of sitting in your bed or house feeling lonely or sad. Now you have a dog who can make everything better. You two will know when it's time to stop being lonely and have some fun.
10. No matter the size, all dogs are guard dogs.
No matter how big or small your dog is, they will try to be a guard dog. They will guard people from you, the house, the yard, a baby, their toys, their bed, even their favorite spot to pee.
11. They are incredibly clever.
Dogs are so smart and clever. Who knew a dog could fit under their kennel and would even like sleeping there? And watch out, because dogs can jump higher than you thought they could. Bye bye fence.
12. They fall and get right back up again.
Have you ever seen a dog fall asleep and fall over? If not, you are missing out. Dogs fall even more than humans, and they they get right back up again ... we need to be more like dogs.
13. The head tilt.
Aaaaaaaaah. I lost all words after seeing the head tilt. Just get a dog solely for the head tilt.
14. They are so gosh darn cute.
Have you ever seen anything cuter? If your answer is yes then you are wrong. Dogs were put on this earth to make everything cuter and more fun.
15. You can dress your dog up for Halloween.
What is Halloween without dressing up your dog? We have dressed my dog as Yoda and a hot dog for his first two years of Halloween, but there are so many other options. They can even be part of your own costume. Dog accessory? Duh.
16. They have their priorities straight.
Dogs sleep so much. You may become extremely jealous of your dog. So get in bed with your dog and do what you both know is the most important — sleep.
17. You will never have to date anyone ever again.
Want a boyfriend? Get a dog. You will never need a significant other ever again, but if you do end up getting a boyfriend, it's still dog first.
18. Your dog is your own personal dishwasher.
You know your dog is waiting under the table for a snack. You might as well give them your leftovers and maybe even let them lick your plate clean. No need for dishwasher if you have a dog.
19. They keep your bed warm for you.
No need for a blanket anymore. Your dog is your own personal blanket and bed warmer.
20. You always have a TV partner.
Sometimes watching TV alone is lonely and you wish you had a friend to join you. Get a dog! They will watch your favorite shows with you and not judge for watching the kissing scene a few too many times. Best part? They won't hog the remote.
21. They forgive their enemy ... and possibly love them too.
Lover of cats as well? Well no worries. Dogs can usually forgive them for being their sworn enemy. And maybe they will become best friends.
With that being said, we can learn so much from dogs. If you don't have a dog, what are you doing? Go adopt a dog from your local animal shelter.
You're giving a dog a new and better life, plus you get a new best friend.
