All pets are great, but there is something about having a dog that is just extra special. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments. From the early days when dogs roamed the earth wild and free to today where they are paraded around to win a prestigious award, dogs have always been an integral part of our world. Dogs will always hold a special place in our hearts. They even occasionally are more favored than their human counterparts. And they must be called "man's best friend" for some sort of reason. Here are just a few examples why.

1. You always have a cuddle buddy

Although your dog probably hates it, that won’t stop you from hugging them until the end of time. And even when they growl at you, you know that it won’t make them love you any less. Sometimes we all just need a little TLC and dogs are great for just that reason.

2. Gives you an excuse to go home

If you are ever in an uncomfortable situation and want to leave all it takes is saying “Oh I forgot to walk my dog” and boom you are out of there. No one will ever try and deny you your request to go and relieve your puppy. Everyone loves dogs (even those who claim not to) and nobody can judge you for being a responsible pet owner.

3. They are always excited to see you

Whether you were out of the house for 15 minutes or three months, your dog will always greet you like they haven’t seen you in a year. There is no greater feeling than hearing your dog’s paws scratching the ground as they come racing toward you. It makes you feel like you are a rock star and have your own personal groupie.

4. Forces you to exercise

Even on your laziest day you always have the best interest of your dog in mind. For those of us with super energetic dogs they make the perfect running buddies. Even just taking your furry friend out for a walk is great exercise for them and for you. Dogs have that unique quality of getting us moving even when we really really want to just lay on the couch.

5. Kisses

As much as you try to deny that you hate slobber, you just can’t resist a big sloppy kiss from your dog. Whether they are licking the tears off your face or just giving a kiss to your hand dogs are capable of making you feel so insanely loved and appreciated. Granted, most of the time they are just trying to see if you are actually food that they can eat, but nevertheless you get kisses out of it and that’s great.

6. Helps you get outside

All living animals need to use the bathroom. It is just a fact of life. And unlike cats, dogs are not the best at being trained to use a litter box. This means that you, their dedicated owner, have to take them outside. In the dead of winter this can seem like quite a daunting task, but after being cooped up inside all day there is something slightly nice about going outside to get some fresh air.

7. They do some pretty dumb things

Dogs do some of the stupidest things. One time my dog ate a pack of food dye and it dyed all the fur around his mouth green. And it was amazing. Dogs are often clumsy, dopey and downright silly. They can always make you laugh and smile, which is just one of their most endearing qualities.

8. They are always willing to protect you

Whether you have the largest Great Dane or a tiny Chihuahua, your dog will become the master of your house. As soon as that doorbell rings you just know there will be barking galore. It doesn't matter if it's just a postal worker or if it is an actual intruder, your dog will be sure to let you know that someone new has arrived.

9. Dogs look great in clothes

No matter where you stand on the great “Dog Pants” debate you cannot say you don’t squeal with delight every time you see a dog with booties on. Dogs in sweaters and pants and hats and Halloween costumes are just the greatest thing. It becomes so tempting just to treat them like a smaller, furrier person.

10. They are just so darn cute

Dogs are adorable. From the ones who are so ugly that they are cute to the types that are stunningly beautiful, for us dog lovers we can’t help falling a little bit in love with our pet. And once you are the proud owner of a dog no other pet will ever compare to how cute your beloved is.

11. Dogs make the best of friends

When people think of the perfect partner they often list, loyalty, humor, kindness and respect as the qualities they are looking for. Maybe such a person exists. However, that description can easily apply to your dog. Dogs don't discriminate based on race or gender. They know no bias (other than who is holding food and who isn't). Dogs just are who they are and that is pretty darn cool.

Although they may not be around forever, owning a dog will change your whole life. You become their world and there is no greater honor and privilege than being a dog owner.