Four months ago I brought home a 3-month old rescue puppy. Best. Decision. Ever. It had been three years since my 14-year-old Siberian Husky passed away and I had been terribly lonely without a four legged friend in the house. Circumstances prevented me from getting another dog until this past summer, and now that I have I couldn’t be happier.
Dogs bring an indescribable joy to a home. It’s a bit of a cliche, but nothing is better than that goofy smile greeting me when I come home at the end of the day.
It’s tough put into words how happy my pup makes me and my family and why I think dogs are the best, but I’ll give it a shot!
They’re always happy to see you. Whether you’ve been gone 5 minutes or all day long, dogs will greet you like they’ve been waiting their entire lives for the moment you walk in the door. It never gets old, trust me.
They’re comforting. In moments of sadness or anxiety dogs can bring great comfort. In fact, the act of petting a dog has been proven to lower blood pressure and promote relaxation. When I’ve been at my absolute lowest my dogs have always been able to offer me a furry shoulder to cry on.
They’re up for anything. My dog is my best adventure partner. No matter what I want to do or where I want to go she’s up for it. Whether it’s an all-day nature walk or a trip to the super market – she’s in!
They never let you stay mad. Even when they do things like pull all the wine bottles and glasses out of the wine rack…
They’re great motivators. That sad face looking at you and begging for a walk will ensure that you get out and get exercise. I’ve noticed a significant difference in my fitness level since I brought the pup home. An average of 6000 more steps a day according to my fitbit!
They don’t judge. Sure, they’re up for anything, but they also won’t judge you if you want to stay on the couch in your jammies all day.
They’re great for kids. Children who have a furry friend have fewer days off school due to sickness and children with chronic illnesses often cope better with treatment when they have a canine companion. I’ve also noticed with my own step kids that having a dog has made them more outgoing and even more responsible – at least when it comes to chores around the house.
They offer unconditional love. The best thing without a doubt is the unconditional love that we get from dogs.
There. I guess that wasn’t so hard after all. If you’re thinking of bringing a dog home to join your household I highly recommend rescuing a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Let’s help empty the shelters and give these awesome companions the loving homes they deserve!
Some photos courtesy of Pexels
