8 Reasons Why Dogs are the Best Friends Ever
Is it obvious how much we love animals here at HelloGiggles? We’re crazy about every species, but today, let’s talk about dogs, and how they aren’t only man’s best friend – they’re woman’s best friend, as well.
A few studies have popped up regarding gender and animal preference, and it turns out that while many people stereotype women as being cat owners (you know – “crazy cat ladies”), men own slightly more cats than women. According to a survey from the UK which polled 1,685 pet owners, men today prefer cats as pets, while dogs are more popular among women. While I don’t think editing the phrase to reflect upon the love of dogs amongst ladies is necessary, can we at least say that dogs are everyone’s best friend?
Ladies, here are a few reasons as to why your dog is your perfect companion.
1. Your dog is the perfect doorbell – and security system.
I’m the type of person who swears that someone is breaking into my house the second a pipe makes a sound or the dryer goes off. I’m skittish, and I think I’ll always be skittish, despite the fact that (knock on wood!) I’ve never had any type of traumatic event happen to me before that’d make me extra cautious.
My dog can pretty much hear what’s happening a block over. If there’s another dog a neighborhood away, my dog wants to meet that dog immediately and loudly tell it not to come too close to his house. If a noise occurs and my dog doesn’t have a reaction, I know it’s harmless.
2. Your dog is like a child but without any tantrums.
A new study came out recently that more young women these days have dogs over children. While I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, it made news for a reason: It’s fascinating.
Over the past seven years, the number of live births per 1,000 women between ages 15 and 29 in America has plunged 9 percent. And according to research from the American Pet Products Association, the number of small dogs — under 25 pounds — in the United States has skyrocketed, from 34. 1 million in 2008 to 40.8 million in 2012.
For women who choose to be childless, can’t have children, or simply want to raise a puppy before raising a baby, having a dog is an amazing feeling.
3. Your dog helps keep the bed warm.
According to a study by Time4Sleep, 25% of pet owners allow their pets to sleep on their beds at night. While some don’t like Rover to hog the sheets, you have to admit – dogs help warm up the bed on cold nights. If your dog doesn’t snore, you’re even luckier. Regardless – if you sleep alone, it’ll probably be pretty comforting to have a friend by your side. (And have you ever witnessed a dog dreaming? It’s hilarious.)
4. Your dog will love you unconditionally.
Men and women can come and go, but your dog will stick with you for life. Even if you didn’t get that job or you think you’ll be alone forever, your dog will prove to you that he or she doesn’t care – and you’ll never be alone with your dog around.
“One emotion which dogs certainly demonstrate is that inner calm and contentment we humans experience in the company of our loved ones, regardless of what they can provide for us in material terms,” DailyMail writer Bruce Fogle stated. In short, friendships can suffer from ups and downs – but with your puppy friend, the only true disappointment you’ll have is if they rummaged through your garbage can.
5. Dogs can sometimes read people better than you.
Know that friend you have that makes you nervous, but you feel the need to keep hanging out with them because – you know – you sort of have a mutual friend and they have a good heart – right?
Dogs are an extension of you, and they have an acute olfactory sense that will react on fear. If you’re nervous or not 100% on someone, your dog will have a reaction since he is reading the cues that you might not even be aware of giving off, and is looking out for you.
If your dog is getting bad vibes from someone, maybe you should take an extra look at that relationship. It’s like your dog is letting you know when a friendship needs to call it quits – just like a best friend would. (Or, maybe your acquaintance just reeks of cats. In that case, maybe you should abandon this bullet point.)
6. Dogs are always excited to see you when you get home.
You had a bad day, and you don’t want to talk to anyone. But knowing that your dog is there with a wagging tail, ready to say hello, helps make the other stuff melt away. Plus, all your dog wants is a nice walk around the block with you, and a chance to lay close to you while you chill out with an America’s Next Top Model marathon. You don’t need to entertain, stay up till 2 AM or spend any money. What other friend is that low maintenance?
7. Puppies put a smile on everyone’s face.
Some people aren’t animal people – and I get that. But even if they don’t want to have a pet, they can’t deny smiling at least a little bit at a cute puppy gif. Clumsy puppies cure everything. Your dog might be your only buddy that’ll always make you laugh. (Unless you catch him rummaging through the garbage, as mentioned before. It’ll happen. But he’s not trying to make you mad, he’s just curious about that burger you ate yesterday.)
8. Dogs take amazing selfies.
Whether or not you love or hate selfies, admit it – you’ve taken a few yourself, even if you’ve chose not to post them on Instagram.
Some dogs are photogenic, and many have their own social networking sites. When you want a great selfie that’ll also serve as a memory, inviting your dog into the mix will be a great time. In fact, it’ll turn out better than the dark selfie you took with your best girlfriends at the bar that your Aunt will stumble across and awkwardly mention at the next family gathering.
Is your dog your BFF? Share your stories about your canine companion in the comments!
