We've all heard the phrase "man's best friend," but just how true is this statement? I can tell you from personal experience that nothing could be truer. If you're a dog lover, like myself, you've no doubt come across many dogs in your lifetime. If you've been lucky enough to own a dog, you know just how important your relationship with that dog is. That dog isn't just a pet to you, but a member of the family. Here are eight reasons why your dog is not only your friend, but the best one you'll ever have.
1. They're always happy to see you.
No matter what, your dog will go head over heels when you walk in your front door after a long day of work, school, or whatever it may be. Your dog's enthusiasm makes you feel like you're on top of the world, like you're the most important person to enter your home--and to your dog, you really are that person.
2. They'll tug on their owners' leashes just to see you.
Any dog gets excited to see a human--especially a potential new friend! In that case, even if you've never met this dog before, they'll be more than ready to introduce themselves to you with a tail wag and a lick. There aren't many dogs out there that don't love a good scratch behind the ears or on the tummy, and if a new human is willing to give that to them, you bet they'll be first in line.
3. They forgive and forget.
You know that insanely guilty feeling you get when you accidentally step on your dog's tail? The dog whimpers or yelps and jumps away from you, and suddenly you feel as though you've committed a felony. Your dog may be hurt in the moment, but minutes or even seconds later they're trotting up to you to lick your hand, wondering why you seem so upset. Unlike humans, dogs don't seem to be too interested in holding grudges. In fact, they wouldn't know the meaning of the word.
5. Speaking of which, they'll love you no matter what kind of person you are.
Dogs will never judge you. In fact, most dogs are so trusting towards humans that they'll believe you're the greatest thing that's ever happened to them. Your dog sees you in the best light possible, and quite literally thinks you are amazing. That's why it's important to let your dog know they're just as amazing once in a while, and maybe to also strive to be the person your dog believes you to be.
6. They care about your needs.
Ever wonder why certain breeds of dogs are used by people as a service to help them walk or see, or why they're used in the police force? It's because these specific breeds have a natural ability to detect trouble. There are numerous stories out there about dogs finding help for their owners when they've fallen or gotten into trouble, or trying to protect them against someone trying to hurt them. Their loyalty and innate ability to protect is what makes dogs so special, and so necessary in our world.
7. They love to party with you, no matter the occasion.
It doesn't matter what it is--a promotion, good grades, a vacation; your dog will immediately start jumping up and down and barking for joy if you show any signs of excitement. All you have to do is ask them if they're excited for you too in a high-pitched, squealing voice. For example: "Are you happy I'm going on a date tonight?" Say it as excited as you can, and your dog will be instantly excited too, even though they have no idea why.
8. When they eventually leave you, it'll feel like a piece of your heart is missing.
Maybe you've known your dog since you were a baby. Maybe he/she was there for you as you battled adulthood struggles. Whatever the case, your dog left an impact on your life. They were always the one there to listen, always ready to comfort you, no matter what. Now they're gone, and it feels as though there's an empty space in your home. It's a loss that hurts as much as any other loss in your life if you loved your dog like a friend. Even though it hurts, you can always take comfort in the fact that they brought you so much happiness. Their lives may seem like a fleeting moment to us, but to them it is so much more.
