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13 Reasons You Should Own A Dog, In Case You Needed Them

Who wouldn't want a cuddle buddy for life?

Anna Hadley

Jan 28, 2019

Bowling Green State University

300

13 Reasons You Should Own A Dog, In Case You Needed Them

Anna Hadley

My dogs are my best friends. Every time I see them, a smile appears on my face instantly. They're just like little bundles of pure joy and sunshine and love. Even with that being the case, I know some people find it hard to believe that dogs can truly make life so much happier. Maybe they prefer cats over dogs, or maybe they just don't know yet. I am here to enlighten them and everyone else as to why you really need a dog.

1. Cuddles

Cuddly pup

Giphy

Dogs are great when you don't have a significant other to cuddle with. Especially bigger dogs. Their cuddles are even better in the winter because they are basically personal space heaters. The only downside is that they will probably demand more space than your significant other would.

2. Companionship

Hugs

Giphy

Dogs are the best friends anyone could wish for. They don't judge you or wish any harm on you. They won't cancel plans or leave you on read. You can totally confide in them and they will always listen without telling a soul. All they want to do is keep their human happy. They will be your bestest friend.

3. Lowered risk for illness

WHAAAAT?

Giphy

Studies show that being with dogs can lower your blood pressure, which in turn lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease and a plethora of other diseases and illnesses. Having a dog can also help you see the positive on days where you feel very negative. My dogs bring me back down to earth when I'm having an anxiety attack, and pull me back up from the ground when I'm having a depressive episode. They truly are a blessing.

4. Wireless vacuums

Dog Eating

Giphy

Dropped a piece of food on the floor? No problem. Need to pretend you ate something gross? Dog's got you covered. Who needs a vacuum when you have a dog that can clean up your mess for you? It's faster, more efficient, and much cuter.

5. Comedy relief

Silly dog

Giphy

Dogs can definitely have their silly moments, and that is one of my favorite things about owning them. When I'm home from college, I don't go a day without laughing (or at least smiling) because of something my silly pups did. They are a bright light on even your darkest days.

6. Increased physical activity

Skateboarding corgi

Giphy

Dogs are very active creatures, which is a plus when you are not a very active creature. Need to get in a workout? Take your pup for a walk or a jog, they will happily tag along!

7. Protection from eczema

Dog and baby

Giphy

A study done in 2010 provided evidence that "children who were allergic to dogs were less likely to develop the skin condition if they had a dog in the home during their first year of life." On top of that, the study said that children who are allergic to cats and had a feline companion instead had an increased chance of 13% for developing eczema. Moral of the story: dogs are better than cats.

8. Security systems

Barking

Giphy

Dogs are basically a less expensive security system for your house. Big or small, they will let you know when even the slightest threat is approaching, from plastic bags to leaves to strangers on the porch. Dogs are naturally very protective of their humans and will make sure that they are safe.

9. They make you more social

Best friends

Giphy

Dogs are social creatures, and so are you! Dog parks are a great place to bring them. You can play with them or just let them play with other dogs. This way they get the exercise and socialization they need, and you can socialize with a bunch of other dogs (and their owners) too.

10. Service dogs

Goodest boy

Giphy

They assist the blind, deaf, and those with other physical disabilities, and can also be wonderful companions for those with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more.

11. Your arrival will always be celebrated

Wiggles

Giphy

No matter how long you're gone, your dog will always be happy that you're back home. You are guaranteed to be greeted with kisses, jumps, wiggles, and lots of love.

12. You can dress them up for Halloween

Fairy princess puppy

Giphy

The best part of Halloween is dressing up, and having a dog to dress up too would be absolutely adorable. Plus, they could be incorporated into your costume! How cute!

13. The. Head. Tilt.

Head tilt

Giphy

This is the only reason you need. Get a dog solely for this reason.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

13 Reasons You Should Own A Dog, In Case You Needed Them

Who wouldn't want a cuddle buddy for life?

1. Cuddles

2. Companionship

3. Lowered risk for illness

4. Wireless vacuums

5. Comedy relief

6. Increased physical activity

7. Protection from eczema

8. Security systems

9. They make you more social

10. Service dogs

11. Your arrival will always be celebrated

12. You can dress them up for Halloween

13. The. Head. Tilt.

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10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

Who knows where we would be without them.

1. Thank you for laughing at my jokes, even when they really aren’t funny.

2. Thank you for singing unbearably loud with me all the time.

3. Thank you for letting me vent to you for hours about anything and basically being my personal therapist.

4. Thank you for ordering pizza with me at 2 in the morning.

5. Thank you for all the movie days when we don’t feel like moving.

6. Thank you for being my workout buddy everyday.

7. Thank you for sharing your closets with me.

8. Thank you for taking naps with me at random hours during the day.

9. Thank you for cleaning our home with me when we absolutely need to.

10. Thank you for all the rides when it’s late and you don’t want me to walk home alone in the dark.

11. Thank you for studying with me in our kitchen when we didn't want to go the library.

12. Thank you for making dinner with me.

13. Thank you for helping with my hair, makeup and outfit every time we go out.

14. Thank you for taking countless ugly pictures with me.

15. Thank you for not judging me when I go too long without showering.

16. Thank you for making our apartment feel like a second home.

17. Thank you for being there through all of our boy troubles.

18. Thank you for giving me a hug when I feel homesick.

19. Thank you for getting excited with me when one of us gets a good grade on an exam.

20. Thank you for still being my friend and not judging me when I say or do dumb things.

21. Thank you for telling me what I should do when I am sick.

22. Thank you for dancing horribly with me everywhere we go.

23. Thank you for staying up super late with me when we aren’t tired or can’t sleep.

24. Thank you for being super weird with me.

25. Thank you for all the unforgettable college memories.

26. And most of all, thank you for being the best friends a girl could have.

I may or may not be stressing right now.

1. "What do I have to study for?"

2. "What class do I need to study for the most?"

3. "I’m going to ace this."

4. "Focus!"

5."I have no idea what I'm reading."

6. "I should call my smart friend about this."

7. "I’m going to fail. I’m going to fail."

8. "I’m dropping out of school."

9. "What grade do I have to get on the final to pass the class?"

10. "Oh, no, I have to do good."

11. "I shouldn’t have procrastinated all semester."

12. "I wanna go to bed."

13. "We did not learn this!"

14. "I should go get food."

15. "Why do we even have finals?"

16. "I don’t want to be at the library."

17. "Get off your phone."

18. "I can watch Netflix for like 20 minutes and then go back to studying."

19. "I shouldn’t have watched Netflix."

20. "You have to study now!"

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. — Snow White

The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it. — Rafiki

You don't have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring. — Lumière

If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya. — Laverne

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one. — Grandmother Willow

Always let your conscience be your guide. — Jiminy Cricket

To infinity and beyond. — Buzz Lightyear

Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved. — Pooh

Let it go. — Elsa

If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all. — Thumper

Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories. — Genie

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

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