We all know the saying that goes “a dog is a man’s best friend,” but that’s a vast understatement. A dog can be and absolutely is anyone’s best friend - both dog and human alike. At least, that’s what any dog owner would tell you. Any dog owner I’ve met would be able to tell you the same thing: a dog isn’t just a dog, they’re a life-long companion. Anyone can be a dog lover, but here are a few things that only dog owners themselves will know to be true.

1. You talk to your dog as though they are just another family member (which they absolutely are).

3. You don’t realize how unnatural it is that you talk to your dog until someone else brings it up.

4. You don’t find it weird to have this animal following you everywhere, and in fact you find it endearing.

5. No matter what your dog does you can’t stay mad at them, because who could possibly resist that face?

6. Potential gift ideas for your dog is a typical discussion topic around Christmas time.

7. You already have some parenting experience under your belt.

8. You know the struggle of your dog wanting to eat virtually anything else besides their dinner.

9. There is nothing more heartbreaking than the sound your dog makes whenever you leave the house.

10. This is the cutest face you've ever seen and that isn't a matter of opinion.

11. Your dog is your best friend, and that’s no overstatement.