Summary

The article "10 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Humans" outlines the author's personal experiences and reflections on the numerous benefits of having a dog, emphasizing the unconditional love, companionship, and positive impact on mental and physical health that dogs provide.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses deep admiration for dogs, particularly their loyalty, ability to keep owners fit through outdoor activities, and their therapeutic presence during tough times. The piece highlights how dogs consistently exhibit happiness, provide humor, and necessitate daily routines, thereby enriching their owners' lives. Dogs are also credited with expanding social circles, teaching new forms of love, providing warmth, and ultimately making their owners better people by fostering traits like tolerance, acceptance, and compassion. The author's personal connection to these benefits is illustrated through anecdotes about their rescue dog, Lola, who has played a significant role in the author's life.

Opinions

Dogs are incredibly loyal, never leaving their owner's side regardless of circumstances.
Dogs motivate their owners to stay active and engage with nature, contributing to their physical fitness and mental well-being.
Dogs possess a natural ability to sense their owner's emotions and provide comfort, acting as therapists.
The joy and enthusiasm dogs display are

10 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Humans

Everyone thinks they have the best dog in the world… They are all right

Photo credit: Kayte Evans (popcornpaws.co.uk)

I read a meme once that said, ‘Everyone thinks they have the best dog in the world… They are all right’. It struck me that dogs are such a blessing, everyone (well most people) think they hit the jackpot with their own dog, yet understand that everyone else feels the same way.

How fab are dogs!

I have written previously about the story of my rescue dog, Lola. I was looking at her recently and decided it’s time to celebrate my top ten reasons I love having a dog so much.

1.They are so loyal.There’s nothing like a dog to stick with you through thick and thin, never leaving your side. It’s a wonderful thing to know that there is one loving being in the world that will always be there for you, never questioning you, no matter what.

Lola. Photo credit: Kayte Evans (popcornpaws.co.uk)

2. They keep you fit and out in nature. As a grown adult, there is not single person that can force me to go out and exercise… but my dog can. Woe betide me if I haven’t taken her out early enough. She paces around me, running towards the door every time I stand up, looking up expectantly at me and gesturing towards the door. You can only put a dog off for so long before they force you to take them on a nice big walk to the woods or the beach. Of course, I always feel better afterwards, which makes me grateful to her. If I’m honest, if it wasn’t for Lola, I wouldn’t have bothered.

3. They are a natural therapist. Lola knows when I’ve had a bad day. She homes in on me, sits with me, and I can feel her emitting healing energy. Dogs just know what to do. It’s too hard to stay sad or down for long when you have got a loving, loyal furball gazing up at you with big beautiful eyes, intentionally trying to heal you and make you feel better. My son Sam says Lola is my counsellor, as I chat away to her about things that are on my mind. She’s a great listener.

4. They are always happy. What a relief. A living being in your life that is never ever in a bad mood. Consistently enthusiastic and ecstatic to see you. No matter what has happened, your dog will always the there. all smiles and waggy tails, just waiting for you to come in for play and cuddles.

5. They make you laugh. Dogs are just funny aren’t they. They’re lovely little ways, the way they look at you and their attempts to communicate are just so cute and funny. Especially when they are naughty. Have you ever seen a guilty look on a dogs face. You just can’t be upset with them for long.

6. They give you a reason to get up every day. You can’t have a duvet day with a dog in the house. It’s just not possible. Unlike a cat which I believe can be ignored for a while as long as you feed it; dogs need attention. It’s a bit like being a parent, but more fun. They harass you for walks, games, food, doggy conversation and cuddles.

7. They expand your social circle, educate you, and set you up with other dog lovers. Sometimes, the more issues your dog has, the better it works out. Because Lola had some behavioural issues as a rescue dog, we had to seek out trainers and dog walking groups to get her rehabilitated and socialised. I’ve met some wonderful dogs and their owners as a result, been on some stunning pack walks in the countryside and learned a huge amount about dog behaviour. I’ve gained so much knowledge that I am confident and understanding with other dogs who have behavioural issues. I would probably never have got to know this if Lola didn’t need help. So, for that, again Lola, I am very grateful. Below is a video of me on a pack walk with dog trainer Paul.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7dQG_Og4Yf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

8. They teach you a new type of love. People who have never had a dog may not know this, but those who do, know. Lola has this pure, beautiful loving energy that just takes my breath away. It emits out of her and you can feel it. I had never experienced this before and didn’t know it existed. She has taught me how to love her back in this pure, whole, uncomplicated way and it is just a magical feeling that makes me feel uplifted and healed.

9. They keep you warm. Ok, I admit it, Lola sleeps in my bed. We did try at first to get her to sleep in her bed, but she would cry and scratch at the door. What could I do? Having a dog in your bed is like having a lovely furry hot water bottle, that keeps you warm and gives you kisses throughout the night. I couldn’t be without her now.

10.They make you a better person. I didn’t know this before I had a dog, but because she was so vulnerable when we first got her, she brought out a new type of maternal instinct in me specialised for, insecure, scared dogs. She has made me more tolerant and accepting, not only of other dogs but also other people as I could see how her unstable past had a direct effect on her behaviour. She has brought out compassion in me and made me see the world in a different way.

Thankyou to Lola for everything she has done for me, taught me and all the love she has brought into my life.