They say “[human] friends are forever,” but those people have obviously never owned a dog. When I first wanted to adopt my own puppy, my mom reiterated all of the cons of owning an animal. “They have accidents everywhere for the first few months,” “they’re expensive,” “they’re very time-consuming,” things like that. However, we all knew that the pros of adopting a pup greatly outweighed any con. Since getting my precious Bella—a now 2-year-old Shih Tzu—I have found many reasons why every person needs to own a dog (or cat if you’re one of those people).
1. You’re (literally) never alone.
Having a pup throughout college has been the best decision I ever made. We all know that these four(ish) years are some of the most stressful of our lives. We cry. We don’t want to leave our bed. We holler at people for no good reason and just want to be left alone. But you’re never alone with a pup! Want to sleep in until noon? Your dog will cuddle in every crevice she can find in your body. Want to lay out in the sun? Plop out a blanket for your doggy, too! You’re never alone, whether you like it or not. (You’ll love it.)
2. You have the motivation to be more active.
Even on my worst days, little Bella knows how to get me out of my couch-potato slump. Come 7 p.m., she’s barking at the front door to go on a W-A-L-K (we don’t actually walk, we mainly run and stop abruptly). Case in point, even when I want to be left alone in the dark, my dog gets me moving. And we all know a little fresh air is all we need to make for a better day.
3. You learn unconditional love.
I’ve always been one to “love” animals, but after I took care of one as if she was my baby, I learned what unconditional love really is. Whether we’re fighting—yes, barking/human yelling does happen back and forth often—or I’m mad at her for eating a tissue, I know that we’ll find our way to each other for make-up snuggles. Watching her grow has been so emotional, as well. I don’t know how humans do it with another human.
4. You’re a healthier person.
This is more of a human-only perk, but owning a dog has so many health benefits. Studies have even shown these health benefits, too. From petting a pet—which lowers heart rate—to owning a dog—which lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and boosts endorphins in the brain—science proves you need a dog in your life. (Want to argue this? Why else do they have pet-therapy dogs in hospitals?)
5. You have purpose.
Like my mom always told me before I came home with Bella, owning a dog is time-consuming. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve turned down plans with my excuse being, “sorry, I don’t have anybody to watch my dog at that time.” Being a dog (or cat) parent is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. From seeing my dog smile after her walk, run to me when I get home or just cuddling her throughout the night, you have purpose.
