Having just returned from our Thanksgiving break, I was lucky enough to get the chance to spend some precious time with my dog back home. While I didn't believe that this would be of such colossal importance to me, in hindsight I completely understand why it is. Your dog is always there for you. From day one, you and that puppy are bonded and even when you go away for extended periods of time, your dog back home still remembers you. So in honor of those profound relationships between dog and student, here are a couple reasons why we should all be thankful for "man's best friend."
1. They always bring out the best in you.
I can't count all of the times that I would come home from high school after receiving a not-so-stellar grade on a paper, or after losing a late night hockey game, and my dog would be waiting at the door for me as if nothing in the world mattered more. Dogs bring out the very best in people in the very worst of times. They are truly therapeutic animals.
2. You get out what you put in.
If you work to build a relationship with your dog, you will form one of the strongest bonds one can have. Dogs want to be loved and cared for. If you do the work to form that relationship (lots of walks, lots of playing, and lots of food and treats), there's no doubt that you will have a long term friend, even if you go away for school.
3. Dogs are (for the most part) relaxing.
Taking a walk on a slightly rainy day with my dog back at home was one of my favorite activities to do amidst the mushroom cloud of high school work and sports. When I take a second to look back at it, it truly does make sense. Having a moment in your work day to connect with your dog is one of the greatest gifts a dog can give.
4. They never forget.
One of the best moments of my break was watching as my dog burst after me at the front door only to jump up into my arms. Dogs really never forget you once you've made your presence known. This all depends on how much effort you put in with your dog and how much time you are willing to devote to that effort. Yet, all in all, it's always going to be worth it. Dogs can truly be a man's (or woman's) best friend, no doubt.
So with all of this said, I urge you to be thankful for the relationships you have been able to form with your best friends back home. Be thankful for those afternoon walks in local parks and those long nights of binge watching Netflix together. In those times of anxiety and struggle especially as we all approach exams, take a moment to think about your dog back home, it may just be exactly what you need for success.
