This article I would like to dedicate to my dog, Khaki.

Khaki is an 11 year old yellow Labrador retriever, and she is the sweetest dog I have ever known. In honor of National Pet Day, I would like to tell you about why owning a dog is one of the best decisions of your life.

So let's start this off by talking about the health benefits of owning a dog.

Plus I'm holding a treat to coerce Khaki into taking cute pictures.

Allergies are usually associated in a negative way when it comes to being around pets; however, owning pets at an early age has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing allergies or asthma.

In fact, because allergies are an immune response, this finding was soon linked to the evidence that infants who were growing up in household with dogs had more highly developed immune systems and less chances of developing eczema.

And why is this? "Dogs are dirty animals, and this suggests that babies who have greater exposure to dirt and allergens have a stronger immune system."

Which is why I would recommend a bath. This is the only bath that she hasn't tried to flee from.

Another benefit of owning a pet? Less depression!

I have talked on here before about how I use horror movies to battle depression, but I have to say that one of the things that helps the most is seeing my floppy eared Pookie Bear (my nickname for her) walking up with tail wagging.

Studies have shown that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than non-dog owners. This comes partly from a dog's ability to read human emotions even better than we can read each other's emotions. Dog's have lived with humans since our hunter-gatherer days which means that they have evolved to be around people. They can spot your emotions based on your tones during speech and by the micro-expressions that go across your face. They will respond accordingly and will try to make you feel better by giving you more attention or trying to get you to give them more attention.

The other way they help you fight depression is by getting you to be more active. They help get you off of your butt and get active. This also comes with the benefit of lowering blood pressure, improving triglyceride levels and reducing stress hormone levels.

Although sometimes nap time works just fine for us.

Having a dog will also help increase your social life. Owning a dog means going on walks, and going on walks means interacting with other people. This can lead to conversations with other people about having a dog, which will lead to other conversations. There you have it! You just had an interaction with another human being! Dog parks are also great places to meet other people. Your dog gets the benefit of meeting other dogs and playing. You get the benefit of not having to worry about them for a little bit... unless they start humping other dogs.

So maybe it is time to go get a dog. Make your life a little bit nicer. Plus, you get to shower love and affection on a companion that will always be happy to see you.

And will always wait patiently for treats.