I do not know what humans did to deserve dogs thousands of years ago, but they are the greatest blessing. We do not know what dogs are thinking or how they function except for the fact that the eat, sleep, play, and use the bathroom. To help us better understand this kindhearted species, here are 5 very important things to know about your sweet animal. They is kind, and they is important.

1. "Ohana means Family."

You brought that puppy home for a reason. As soon as you decided that he was the one, you have dedicated time and energy to taking care of him. He is another one of you. A sibling or child if you will. No dog deserves to be treated like anything less than a loving sister, daughter, brother or son.

You can get mad at him just as you do parents or siblings, but he does not deserve the cruel punishment of being locked in a cage or outside for hours. If I could take my pup with me everywhere I went, you bet I would! I would never leave him in a car or tied to a pole, but that's just me. My pup loves meeting new people and going on adventures.

Unfortunately, the grocery store would not be an option. I can see it now... food everywhere and a dog with the appetite of a teenage boy... hmm, maybe not the best idea. He is family, and no family member is left behind. Love him unconditionally, because dogs love us more than they will love anything in the world.

2. "Dogs laugh with their tails!"

You know that feeling when you see someone after what seems like FOREVER and you cannot help but smile and jump for joy? Oh my gosh! How ironic. Dogs are the same way!! When your pup is wagging his tail he is the happiest. There are some words or things that may trigger his excitement. "Play," "walk," "treat," "hi pup" and "good boy" may just be a few words that trigger him, and your smile and voice make him even happier!

Remember your sweet pup cannot exactly understand you, so keep your voice happy and look the even happier. That high pitched voice I mentioned earlier? Yeah, every time I come in the door that's what he, and sometimes unexpected guests in the house (cleaning team, exterminators, carpet cleaners... yikes sorry), hears! If I had a tail, mine would be wagging as much as my pup's every time we see each other...

3. Food and friend sound a lot alike!

I do not know about your dog, but when I am eating ANYTHING my pup is always by my side with that cute puppy face that says, "Hi I love you, I am so sweet, and would love to share that meal with you." If you forget he is down there... who am I kidding, I could never forget he's there if you do not look at him after about 30 seconds he is quick to remind you with a touch of his nose.

BE CAREFUL PALS. That innocent look could be extremely dangerous for your dog's health! Remember what they can and cannot eat, and only give small amounts of what they can eat. Peanut butter and apples without the skin are my pup's favorite. Popcorn, grapes, chocolate, apple skins, alcohol, and candy may be the basic foods everyone knows are not dog-friendly, but do not forget about avocado, garlic, onion, caffeine, dairy, salt or anything raw. Splurge and give your dog a ~sweet~ treat once in a while!

4. The saying is "innocent until proven guilty," but even then they are still innocent.

Whether you are raising a brand new puppy or have an older dog at home, all dogs make mistakes that make you quite angry. Before you are quick to yell at your pup think of the effects the loud, angry voice and facial expressions will have on his attitude. Yes, my pup was 100% guilty of eating my soccer cleat, but I refrained from yelling at him because I know he did not do it on purpose. Maybe he was just trying to design a new shoe? Who knows! Be upset but do not take the anger out on the dog, keep it on the inside the best way possible. They are sorry, they just cannot verbally say "I am sorry," but they feel extremely bad. No damage can be THAT bad, right? I mean some people have children that take sharpies to the walls! At least our pups do not have opposable thumbs!

5. Time passes by(e)...

Sadly, dogs have no sense of time. Are you ever curious as to what your dog does while you're gone? Yeah, me too.

"The Secret Life of Pets" did a great job depicting what may happen while we're out of the house, but our dogs could be sitting there just thinking about when we're coming home, how many hours have passed, why we left, if we're ever coming back.

A way to ease your mind and maybe theirs too. Before you leave, tell them where you are going and how long you will be gone. No, dogs may not be able to understand every word you are saying, but they may be able to understand enough to know that you will be back soon from errands or work. I talk to my dog like I'm talking to a small child I'm babysitting most of the time. You know that really annoying high pitched voice?

Yeah. That is me. But, I give my pup something equivalent to a dissertation about where I'm going, with whom I will be, how long I will be, how long it takes to reach my destination (I even check to see if there is traffic on the way) and what I will be doing. I always say bye, give him a hug and kiss and tell him to behave (that started after I came home and he had eaten one of my shoes... it's fine, I'm fine.)