“A dog is a man’s best friend” may be an overused and cliche phrase, but there is quite a bit of truth behind that statement. The well-known expression was coined in 1789 by King Frederick of Prussia about his Italian Greyhound; “The only, absolute and best friend that a man has, in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him, is his DOG.” More than 200 years have passed since King Frederick made that statement, but it is still ever so accurate. Truthfully, this phrase comes to the front of most people’s minds when they think of dogs, and strong fondness comes along with it.
We all have heard stories about the “dad who doesn’t want the dog.” Maybe you have even been lucky enough to watch a faithful companionship develop with your own eyes as I have been. These grown men, who often claim to “hate dogs,” inevitably fall in love with their pup and become inseparable. How is this possible? Why do dogs pull on the heartstrings of so many people?
Here’s a look at some things that make dogs amazing and some reasons why dogs really are a man’s (or woman’s) best friend.
The simplest reason that dogs are such great friends is that they are just good to have around. You get used to having them around, and without them, your house feels empty.
They just want to hang out, on the couch, on the toilet, at the park, wherever there are snacks, anywhere. And, the best part is that they recognize your mood, and they match your energy. If you’re having a great day, they want to play. Feeling down? Your dog will comfort you. Something you hope to find in any good relationship.
We don’t have to earn a dog’s love, nor does it ever go away. Dogs love their owners graciously and completely, without us having to love them first. No matter what you do, whether you’ve lost your job or committed a wrongful action, they will love you. Even when we don’t deserve their love, they love us. (They aren’t just in it for the treats!) In a world filled with lots of bad, having a consistent lover can be life-changing.
Studies have shown that dog owners are more likely to have better overall health because of their increased level of activity. Having a puppy means you have to take them for regular walks to keep up their physical health. This kills two birds with one stone, helping you stay active as well. Your doggo may be the reason you are getting your 10K steps in daily.
Dogs have been known to wake their owners up if there is an emergency at the night. They bark at the door when a stranger comes to it. They sense earthquakes before they strike. Service dogs can guide the blind, heal PTSD in veterans, and sense seizures and changes in blood sugar levels. Of course, dogs can emotionally save somebody, but dogs can also literally save somebody’s life. They will risk their lives to protect their owner.
Not only do dogs unknowingly teach us to have a zest for life, live in the moment, and appreciate the small things, but they are so much smarter than we know. They have skills and talents that enable them to sniff out drugs and bombs, find missing people, sense medical emergencies and so much more.
The relationship between dogs and humans goes both ways, and it works well for both sides. Our dogs give us love, company, affection, loyalty, protection, and acceptance. In return, we provide our pups with a home, food, water, safety, and love. Both parties of the companionship win, and both parties get so much out of the other.
Every time you leave and come home, your pup is there to greet you with excitement. For many people, their dog’s tail wags and licks when they return home after a long day is what gets them through the day. The playful nature of dogs entertains people. It keeps us on our toes and makes us giggle. Dogs have a way of bringing a smile to people’s faces, and research has shown that they literally reduce stress levels and boost productivity at work.
Dogs provide us with unconditional love and companionship, they keep us company when we’re down in the dumps, and are ready to play when we have a good day. They motivate us to learn continuously, bring us joy, and keep us living. To put it simply, dogs are awesome. If you are fortunate enough to own one, then you know what I mean.
It is clear that dogs bring us happiness and boost motivation and productivity, so what better way to embrace that than to bring them around more? Whether you own a dog or just love being around them, Boris and Horton is the place for you. Boris and Horton is a dog-friendly cafe and community space in New York City. Come enjoy great coffee, beer, wine, and snacks alongside your four-legged friends.
Looking to unleash some fun with your furry friends this summer? The warm weather and longer days make it the perfect time of year to visit a park with your pup. Dog parks are the paw-fect place to enjoy fresh air, get some exercise, and meet new friends!
