Dogs are not just our furry friends that we love to snuggle with in bed or on the couch. These animals, or any animal for that matter, can grow to mean so much more than that.

What does your dog mean to you? Sometimes that can be a hard question to answer. You don’t normally take note of how much a dog can affect your life.

I always knew how special my dog was, but I wasn’t able to see how much she meant to me until she passed away. Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

Having a dog was one of the greatest gifts of my childhood. My dog made my life so much brighter, and it was so special that I was able to grow up with her. You are your dog’s entire life, but sometimes it feels like your dog is just as important to you as you are to them.

Although you teach your dog how to sit, stay, and not chew up the carpet, your dog also teaches you some pretty valuable lessons, even if you don’t realize it.

Dogs teach us how to love. They show us what loyalty is and give us a sense of companionship. There is nothing in the world like the love that a dog gives you and vice versa.

Does anyone in your life jump on top of you when you get home after a long day? Lick your face? Growl at other people when they feel you may be in danger? Nope. That’s just your dog.

The feeling you get when those things occur is indescribable. Your dog makes you feel like your heart is glowing, and you know you can always count on them to be there for you, even when you feel like no one else is.

Dogs also come into our lives to teach us about loss. There is nothing more heart-wrenching than having to say goodbye to your best friend. Trying to get used to a house that is no longer filled with your pup’s barking and jumping is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

It sucks. The loss of a dog makes you realize just how damn lucky you were to be able to care for such a sweet little animal and give it such a great life.

I will never ever get over the passing of my first dog, but getting a new puppy has really helped my family cope with the devastating loss. Every dog is loved and cherished in a different way than the last one or the next one. A new dog never replaces an old dog; it merely expands the heart. That is just what my new dog has taught me.

A dog never sees your flaws; it only sees how wonderful you are for giving it such an amazing life. Never forget to kiss your dog a few more times, give him or her a few more treats, and cherish every moment.