I love all animals -- don't get me wrong, but there's just something about puppies that I cannot resist. Not only are they ridiculously cute, they are the best remedy for broken hearts and bad days, and at times, they are far better company than people. Growing up, I only had cats, so I never knew I needed a dog until I got one. Now, I can't imagine a life without one. Even though they steal shoes and tear pillows up, it's hard to stay mad at them for long. So, in case you forgot how awesome dogs are, here's a list of four reasons why everyone should own one.
1. Dogs don't care what you look like.
In our society, beauty is arguably a huge component of how we feel about ourselves. While people often judge each other based on bodies and faces and proportions of parts, dogs simply just don't care. They fall in love with you even if some days you look like the walking dead. They think you're the greatest person in the world even if you still haven't found your significant other. You can be tall, short, stocky, built, chubby, teeny, or of any race, and once again, they just don't care. They love you despite how little you may love yourself.
2. Dogs see the world differently than people.
While we see the world often with negativity, dogs see the very same world with curiosity and wonder. While we sit and think about all the things we wish we had, even a simple tennis ball will make them happy. They are some of the happiest species, and honestly, we could learn a few things from them. Owning a dog reminds you to adopt the curiosity you lost when you grew up. Owning a dog reminds you that despite the rapid chaos around us, this world is still pretty great.
3. Dogs are great antidepressants.
There are some days where it seems like everything is going wrong. You ran out of coffee in the morning, you were late to work, or your car didn't start. You spilled food on your favorite shirt, and you're being yelled at for who know's what. Though not very often, those types of days really do happen. But the best feeling in the world is coming home after a bad day and being greeted by your dog. When they smile at you and look at you like you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to you, you can't help but smile back. They can sense when you're sad or down, and some of them love to cuddle. And after all, sometimes that's all you need: a big hug and some snuggles.
4. When you have a dog, you don't have to sweep up food as often.
Though there is some debate about whether or not dogs should be given human food, one cannot argue that it is somewhat nice to have your own personal vacuum cleaner when you accidentally drop crumbs on the floor. However, I need to confess...My dog loves cheese. When you open a bag of cheese, he just knows it. He trots over to you and looks up with those big brown puppy eyes and you can't help but "accidentally" drop a few of those little shreds.
I could go on for hours (maybe days) on more reasons why everyone should own a dog, but for people with my attention span, four is enough for now. In this world, all anyone needs is to love and be loved. And even if you get rejected by people, your dog will never reject you.
