Owning a dog can be a life-changing experience, for better or for worse, but most of the times, for both. Just like everything, there’s ups and downs and sideways and twists and nothing makes sense but somehow everything turns out okay and you take a deep breath and then it's over. But somehow, somewhere, you end up growing as a person. This animal that you took into your house taught you more about life in its short years here than any person ever has.
1. They teach you empathy.
When you have to take care of someone else besides yourself, your ego slowly breaks down. This daily reaffirmation broadens your horizons to see other people’s perspectives on situations.
2. They give you a better self-image.
When you see how much your dog loves you, you realize that you deserve to be loved that much. This animal that can’t even talk to you loves you with its whole heart, and proves to you that you can and should be loved, not just by them, but by yourself too.
3. They clean the floors for you.
Sometimes when I’m away at college and drop food on the floor, I’ll instinctively point to it with my foot and wait for my dog to clean it up for me. I don’t think you realize how much effort cleaning food off the floor is until you have to bend down and do it yourself.
4. They’re always there to see you after a long day.
Every single time, without fail, my dog nearly has a heart attack when I get home. Someone told me that its because they have no concept of time, and it could feel like years since you left to go pick up milk from the grocery store, but I like to think that its because every time you leave they don’t think you’re coming back. Then when you do, they’re beyond themselves. And who wouldn’t want to come home to big slobbery kisses?
5. They’re the best wingman.
Hint: ladies love puppies. So do men. Also, dog people just happen to be some of the coolest people around (I’m not biased, I swear), so if your dogs happen to hit it off a la "101 Dalmatians" style, how bad could the significant other be?
6. They’re the best snuggle buddies.
No explanation needed.
7. They help you through hard times.
Tell them every secret without judgment or comments. Hug them tighter without protest. Get big kisses all over your chin. My dog likes to literally lick my tears -- is that weird?
8. They make you laugh.
Dogs don’t quite understand everything in the world around them, which can make comical situations. For example, my dog is scared of potatoes and teapots. We have no idea why, but he just can’t stop sneezing and running around in circles when he sees them. Cracks me up every time. Plus, we could all use a little more laughter in our days, right?
9. They force you to exercise.
There have been so many days when I wanted to take a “cheat day” and sit on the couch, binge watch Netflix, and eat nothing but butterscotch oatmeal cookies, but my dog forces me to get off my lazy butt and take him on a walk. Sometimes it won’t be a long one, but just getting moving makes me feel so much better.
10. They teach you how to take care of someone else.
A dog is a life. A glowing, vibrant life that is completely dependent on you. You’re in charge of how it’s going to live its life. It can be practice for when you’re ready to take the next step and have a baby, but even if you don’t want to have a child, dogs can help you break your ego and put someone else’s needs in front of yours. At times it can be scary, frustrating, confusing; but through every in-house accident, late night barking, and chewed up shoe, it’s completely worth it.
