Let me start out by saying I love all animals, literally obsessed. I'm the girl that can't resist stopping on the street corner to pet a strangers dog, and whose Instagram feed is filled with different dog accounts. I have two dogs and one indoor cat, and regularly feed the five strays in my backyard. I love all animals. Big and small, shedding or not, through and through. But, there are differences in what we like to call dog people and cat people. As a person that is both I can easily make the case that both are great pets, but I know many of friends will disagree WITH A PASSION.
I wasn't always a "cat" person. In fact my whole family and I have been dog people for the majority of my life. My first pet was a golden retriever at the age of two and I've always had a dog in my house since. While growing up my first reaction would be "ew, no" at the first reference of a cat, accompanied with the slight judgement that someone could only be a cat person (seriously, HOW?!). But times have changed and I couldn't help but give shelter to this kitten that wandered on our yard a few years ago. It took some adjusting, but he happily coexists with my dogs in the house.
With my love of both cats and dogs established, and having lived with both, I can make the argument of what makes each of them different, and some may argue "better" pets. Even though I wouldn't discriminate against cuddling with either, dogs are definitely better in these ways.
1. Affectionate
Dogs greet you whenever you walk in the door. They give kisses and hugs, and they will gladly slobber all over you to show you their love.
2. Emotional
Dogs are basically like humans. You can tell when they are happy or sad. You can even tell when they are pissed when they growl at you. They have a large range of emotion that can be seen in whatever they do. And depending on the type of dog it can be very animated.
3. Responses
Dogs respond to what we, as owners, do. If we scream they come running. If we ask a question their ears go up to listen. Compared to all other animals they are definitely the most responsive. They literally SPEAK to us (aka bark) to tell us what they want.
4. Warm
Every part of a dog is cuddly and warm. From their soft, soft ears (my favorite) to their bellies and tush. They loved to be pet and we love to pet them. It's a win-win.
5. Entertaining
Dogs provide pure amusement, even when its accidental. You can train them to do 100 tricks. Speak, paw, sit, beg, even jump through hoops even if you have patience. But just one look by your dog can make you crack up because sometimes they just do the most ridiculous things.
6. Playful
They are by far more fun to play with and are extremely energetic. It would be cruel to keep your dog locked up all day with nothing to do.
7. They are just the greatest!
This list is short and sweet, but realistically we can go on forever on why dogs are just the best. They just make our lives better in every way and sometimes thats just hard to describe!
