There's just something special about having a dog. They don't call it "man's best friend" for nothing do they? Here are the reasons why I think every kid should grow up having a dog:
1. Your dog is a cure for boredom.
This picture was taken on a day when I was extremely bored, so I took hope to the dog park. Obviously she was very happy about it! Any time I sit bored in my room, I will go hang out with my dog instead. Whether we go outside and run around or just sit and watch Netflix, my boredom disappears.
2. Having a dog as a kid teaches you responsibility early on.
When you're a little kid and you are given the job of feeding the dog, you finally feel like a "big kid". You feel like an important part of the family, even though you are just feeding the dog... When we got Hope, I was in the third grade and I went to every puppy training course with my dad. This was the best thing for me because I felt so much pride for being part of her training process.
3. You get a great welcome home even if you've only been gone for an hour.
I LOVE coming home because I know my dog will be waiting for me with a smile on her face (exactly like the one seen above)! Dogs never fail to make you feel welcomed, loved, and missed even if you only left for a few minutes.
4. Dogs are great to take pictures with.
This is Jeter. As you can tell, he was judging me REAL hard for our little selfie photo shoot. I did a lot of these with him and they always came out hilarious. He was an extremely photogenic dog!
5. They will put up with a lot of your shenanigans.
Another one of our infamous photoshoots. Little Holly thought she was super clever for putting a Yankees hat on her dog named Jeter. This poor dog (along with my first dog, Truffles) put up with so much between me and my sister. Hats, dresses, stickers, sunglasses, etc. You name it, they probably wore it!
6. Ever take a nap with a dog? I have... it's the best.
The day after prom, Hope and I took a very long nap on the floor of my bedroom and it was the best nap EVER! We have taken many naps together. Every nap you take with your dog will be 1000 times better than one you take alone.
7. They are the best listeners
Plain and simple, you can talk until your jaw falls off and your dog will sit there listening and never interrupt you! When you're upset it's even better because they will just sit there patiently and cheer you up because I swear dogs know when you're sad.
8. Dogs are balls of sunshine that never fail to brighten your day!
LOOK AT HER SMILE!!!! SHE IS JUST SO HAPPY!!
9. Your dog will always forgive you.
Like I said before, Truffles went through a lot as an old lady. But even when we put stickers on her, she still was so loving and acted like it never even happened. We all have that traumatizing moment as a dog owner when you accidentally step on their tail and you feel like the most terrible person on the planet. Well, it's okay because your dog will forgive you and probably kiss your face two seconds later.
10. They are the best cuddle buddies ever!
Forget cuffing season.... just cuddle with your dog!!! Bonus, in the winter, their fur will keep you extra warm.
11. Your dog will be your best friend 'til the very end.
My dog has been with me through the ups and downs and she never fails to always put a smile on my face. There was never a point in my life where I didn't have my dog best friend right by my side. Even those points in your life when you feel like you have no one, you always have your dog!
I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for my dogs. So, thank you to all three of them! And thank you to my parents for giving me the opportunity to have them in my life.
