Since I was a little girl, I have always had a soft spot for dogs. I am like most “dog people” when it comes to being slightly obsessed with their wet noses, fluffy tails, and crazy quirky characteristics. My parents luckily shared this love for the four-legged angels, so I have had dogs since I was 2 years old. In the short 22 years of having dogs in my life, I have helped raise 11 dogs, each of them teaching me valuable lessons and giving me memories I will cherish forever. Now, I know there are people who don't like dogs, and that’s fine. But, if you ever have the chance to rescue a pup, do it. I promise you will never regret it. Here are a few reasons why.

1. They are great at cuddling.

My dogs live for cuddles. At the end of a long day, coming home to them wanting to lay right next to me makes my day so much better.

2. They each have their own personalities.

I have 4 dogs. They are each vastly different and uniquely quirky in their own amazing ways.

3. They are great at eating crumbs you drop on the floor.

Literally, great cordless vacuums. I never have to worry about dropping food because I know one of them is always there to pick it up before it has time to sit on the ground.

4. They love you unconditionally.

Even when you’ve stepped on their tail or you’ve accidentally hit them, they look at you as if you have painted the sky just for them. Dogs don’t care if you haven't showered in days or if you ate an extra breadstick at Olive Garden, they love you for you.

5. They are hilarious.

Seriously one of the greatest things about having dogs is the funny things they get into over the years. One of my dogs hates his reflection, he will bark at it for hours. Another hates bubbles, he literally runs away from them. My girls prance around like they are royalty. I could make a list that lasts for days with the funny things they do, but I doubt anyone wants to read that long.

6. They will be there for you always.

We all have those days when you just need a friend. Dogs can often times be that friend. Going back to the unconditional love thing. They will always be there for you when you’ve had a rough day. It’s like they can sense it. They are great listeners and they just want you to be happy. And food. They always want food. So having a cry sesh with your favorite treats would be something they’d be totally down for.

7. They are a great stress relief.

Having dogs around literally reduces your stress levels. They have therapy dogs that only have one purpose, and thats to calm people down and keep their stress and anxiety levels down. Some dogs, like my oldest boy, can pick up these traits on their own, without training. It makes life a little easier having them around.

8. They are protective.

So, my dogs love everyone and they are not aggressive at all. But the minute I start to feel uncomfortable they will be on guard until I am calm again. Luckily, we’ve never had to encounter anything other than a few growl-worthy incidences. If you’re living by yourself, dogs are the perfect security system.

9. They are great judges of character.

If my dogs don’t like you, chances are I don’t like you either. Dogs can sense bad vibes and usually act really uneasy or aggressive towards people they know they can’t trust. They are almost NEVER wrong.

10. They are great driving buddies!

I love road tripping with my dogs. They are hilarious and they love sticking their heads out the window and howling along with the music.

11. They are man’s best friend.

I know we’ve all heard it. I know a lot of us have said it. Dogs are literally labeled as man’s best friend. Of course it’s true. They always have your back, they’ll always be there for you, and they are overwhelmingly adorable! I mean, who can resist puppies?!

Dogs are seriously amazing creatures and they are completely taken for granted most of the time. They quickly become part of the family and deserve that right. They are so much more than pets, they are our best friends, our cuddle buddies, and our kids. If you liked this, please share! If you can think of any other reasons, please comment below!

If you’d like to adopt, which I HIGHLY recommend, please check out the ASPCA for information about adopting your newest family member!

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