5 Reasons Why A Dog Makes Your Life So Much Better

With an always recent influx of cat videos, pictures and memes, it’s easy to stay that cats are the best pets to have.

Well, you’re wrong.

For starters, cats are just snobby and don’t want to be pet like dogs do. Plus, if you do pet them as such, you’re bound to get an armful of scratches and plenty of hisses to follow. As for other pets, they just don’t compare to dogs. You can’t pet a fish, birds are prone to say, “Bye, Felicia” while escaping mid-flight, snakes can’t cuddle and hamsters, well, they smell like sh*t.

Because National Dog Day just passed, I couldn’t think of a better opportunity to prove that dogs are indeed the best pet to have. Here are some reasons why you should consider being a dog owner.

1. They make great alarm systems.

You can install the most robust, sophisticated alarm system in your house but at the end of the day, it won’t beat having a dog.

Sure, your dog may bark at leaves falling or, in my dog’s case, every time she sees a fly, but your canine is just being protective. There’s a reason why there is a phrase called “animal instinct” – it’s because animals are just more keen and aware than us puny humans. Besides, an alarm system can’t bite a burglar in the leg, now can it?

2. They’re always happy to see you.

After a long, sh*tty day at work, there’s nothing more encouraging to come home to a furry friend wagging its tail with a huge, lopsided grin on its face. Let’s be honest – even your mom doesn’t get as excited to see you. It’s as if a dog abandons its own wants and desires to embrace you in the most canine way possible, aka jumping all over your leg.

3. They make great wingmen.

Have problems starting a conversation at a bar? That’s where dogs come in. Instead of the ol’ “So what do you do?” conversation and other painful small talk, bring your dog to a dog friendly bar.

Just walking a dog or going to a dog park will get you plenty of conversations with potential suitors. And if that person has a dog, even better.

4. They’ll encourage you to exercise.

Going to the gym sucks sometimes. Not only do you end up exercising next to someone who looks like they walked out of Fitness Magazine, but the machines are sweaty, you’re running on the treadmill like a damn hamster and there’s nothing on tv but Telemundo and soap operas.

Your dog, however, needs to be walked. Aside from the fact it needs exercise, you’re going to find massive piles of sh*t and pee rivers if you don’t take that dog out.

And once you bring out that leash, there’s no ignoring that infectious grin and dizzily spinning circles. How can you say no to a face like that?

After walking outside, you probably feel better and more energetic than if you were in an air conditioned, cult of a gym. Not to mention, you may be inspired to go for a run by yourself.

5. They are always loyal.

A dog will never, ever, ever leave your side. Sure, this may be annoying if your furry friend decides to follow you to the bathroom every time bodily functions need to take their course, but that just means your pet loves you.

Dogs express and feel unconditional love, whether they get that treat or not. You always know that if you’re upset, angry or depressed that your dog will be by your side, night and day, no matter the time.

Unlike a friend or significant other than won’t speak to you after a spat, you dog will continually be your friend, even if you did yell at it for chewing up your new shoes. With its tail between its legs, your dog will be remorseful and sorry for what it did, not indignant or defiant. After your anger dies down, that dog will soon be curled up at your feet.

If that isn’t unconditional love, I don’t know what is.