Let me preface this by first saying I have never owned a dog. Mom and Dad, if you're reading this--I still really want a dog. My main point is that dog owners are the coolest people. They bring their dogs out into society and we the plebeians get to ogle at them. Let's celebrate all the types of dog owners.
1. The Athletic Dog Owner
You're my personal favorite because you don't need any outside motivation from people. You got a dog and then you two were #fitnessgoals and #couplegoals all in one. When I see you guys running together, I imagine myself doing that once I become a "successful adult." And you go hiking together, which is awesome. Also, I see dogs that can walk without leashes as a subcategory of this awesome pair. Plus, you can do charity runs and frisbee tournaments together. I can't wait to be you two.
2. The Friendly Dog Owner
You're awesome, too, because, when I'm super pumped about how cute your dog is, you tell me that I can pet the dog, which just makes my day a million times brighter. Props to you for trusting the gushing white girl to touch your beloved pet; it's awesome that you are that nice to strangers! The world needs more friendly humans with dogs like you! For example, just the other day these great people let me pet their dog that they cleverly brought to sit outside a bar with them. I just want to thank you profusely for letting me pet your dog after a couple beers, and for telling me all about her breed and training. I'll probably be telling my grandchildren about your kindness as my "old person lesson" when I'm old enough to give those. See also: winery owners who let me pet their dogs as shown in the cover photo. You the real MVP.
This dog was my best friend's sweet girl, Lexi. Fun fact: if you can find a dog with the same name as you, be its owner for life!
3. The Aloof Dog Owner
I want to be mad at you for not stopping to let me pet your dog, I really do. However, you are great for your dogs because I can't imagine how overstimulating it would be to be a dog in a world where people like me exist. Plus, you're probably not interested in my small conversation about how adorable your dog is, because you already know. You don't need my friendship that is ultimately one-sided and seeded only in how much I want to love your dog. So I see your point: you can't stop for all the crazy girls who want to pet your dog. Fine.
4. The Service Dog Owner
You are the closest to my heart. As superb as all of the other dog owners are, your relationship with your dog is beautiful. You took an already great bond between human and dog and made it stronger with compassion from yourself and gave your furry friend a job. Your dog is with you so often and does so much for you. I praise service dog owners, trainers, and everyone involved in the whole process, and, of course, the service dogs themselves. I can't imagine what it would be like to literally have to say no to everyone who wants to pet your working dog. But your reasoning is so important; your furry friend is also your eyes or your assistive device, which is vital to your place in society. So thank you for being you, and letting me at least see more dogs even if I can't pet them, because this human-dog partnership is all about you.
Now that the weather is getting progressively more beautiful, the outdoor world is filling up with more people and their dogs! So love the dog owners, respect their preferences, and most importantly, love the dogs!
Seriously, who couldn't love that face? (Spoiler: still not my dog. The family friends who own him are the best and they let me obsess over him whenever I come to visit.)
