October is ASPCA’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and the Humane Society’s Adopt a Dog Month. If you have never had the pleasure of being a dog parent before, you are missing out on a truly special bond. To put it quite simply, having a dog is fantastic. Here are just ten reasons why:
1. Unconditional Love
A dog will love you unconditionally. When you leave, they will wait for you to return and then smother you with kisses. You are their entire world.
2. Comfort
Dogs excel at reading human emotions. If you are sad, your dog will want to comfort you with cuddles and remind you that they care.
3. Illness Detection
Dogs can detect illnesses like cancer, low blood sugar, and seizures (before they happen). They are also great for preventing or helping people cope with illnesses such as PTSD, Autism, Eczema in kids, heart issues, depression, and dementia.
4. Protector
Dogs make great protectors. They know when their human companions are in danger. Most dogs, if pressed, will step up to defend you. There have also been countless stories of real-life Lassies saving their humans from danger.
5. Promote Healthy Lifestyle
Dogs help you stay fit! They require walks and exercise – which means you are required to get up and go for a walk or run with them every day.
6. Snuggle Buddy
Dogs make great feet warmers! When you are in bed or sitting on the couch or in a chair, most dogs will want to snuggle up.
7. Relationship Between Dogs and Kids
Dogs teach kids a lot of lessons. One of the biggest being responsibility – your kid will learn how to be responsible for another living creature and be more responsible themselves! Not only will your kid learn about helping out with the dog’s chores, but your kid will also learn to pick up those shoes and toys if they don’t want them to be chewed on! Also, kids learn a lot about love and patience from a furry family member. Another beneficial part of your kid’s relationship with the dog is that a dog helps kids with social development and cognitive development.
8. Trained to Do Amazing Things
Dogs can be trained to do some seriously amazing things – and we’re not talking about bringing back a ball. Tricks are fun, but dogs are capable of so much more like preventing their humans from eating something they are allergic to, making sure the kids are all in bed, and they might bark their heads off if the teenager is trying to sneak out. Don’t even get us started on how incredible service dogs are!
9. Hero
If you adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter, you are saving a life. When you adopt a dog, you will also be saving another dog that will get to take your dog’s place in the shelter. Keep in mind, senior pets require less training – don’t overlook them! Plus, shelters and rescues have veterinarians examine all pets and pay for operations like “getting fixed.”
10. Let’s Not Forget…
Dogs are made of an overwhelming amount of cuteness, loyalty, and compassion.
We don’t know what you are waiting for – if you read this far, go adopt your new best friend!
