As humans, we tend to make mistakes. We allow our busy schedules to dictate our lives, we let our anger get the best of us, and we forget how to love. It is as if nothing will ever satisfy us, or make us happy. As we continue to take, we never give, yet we expect companionship from one another. The type of companionship that will make our days brighter and our hearts grow fonder. We crave a specific form of attention that other humans are incapable of giving us. However, there is something else out there willing to give us all their love and attention. If you are a dog owner, you know that your dog is easily your best friend. Their selfless nature is what comforts us, and provides the right amount of companionship.

While we may not realize it, we often forget how truly amazing our dogs are. Here are five signs that your dog is not only your pet but also your best friend.

1. A Comforting Presence

Not every day is easy, and sometimes we just need that shoulder to cry on, or someone that is capable of making us feel safe. Humans do not always want to take on that responsibility. We are not always capable of comforting others or simply listening. However, our dogs are all ears when it comes to listening to our complaints and problems. They place their furry heads on our laps and look up at us with glistening eyes. When we cry, they sniff our hot faces and lick the salty tears away. When we are sick, they jump up on our beds and sleep next to us. They want to be there for the good and bad times in our lives. It is hard to find that type of commitment within in the human heart. Our dogs' comfort is not forced, it is their way of showing love.

2. A Loyal Companion

We do not often come across someone we can truly rely on. As humans, we are constantly letting each other down. We disappoint ourselves, and the people we love, because we are simply not there for one another. It appears as though walking away is the easy way out for us. It is our way of abandoning our responsibilities, and inflicting hurt on other people. While it may not be a big deal for us to abandon each other, it is sad to think that we treat our dogs the same way. No matter how angry, selfish, or unconcerned we are, our dogs are always by our side. When we are scared or need a hug, our dogs are there. They want to be our companions for life, and they want us to feel safe. The loyalty and trust that we all crave can easily be found in a dog. Unfortunately, we turn a blind eye when it comes to our dogs' companionship. How could you walk out on something that only wants to be your best friend?

3. Creator Of Happiness

Let's face it. Humans can be extremely harsh, and rather negative. Finding something that makes us all truly happy, seems almost impossible. Unfortunately, you are going to have days when things just will not go your way. You may have a bad day at work, run into an emergency, or just simply feel depressed. These days can really wear you down, especially if you have no one to confide in. However, our dogs have a way of making our days worth living and putting smiles on our faces. We walk through the door after a long day, and our dogs immediately go crazy because they are excited to see us. They jump on our laps and lick our faces until we cannot help but laugh. Their cute little faces and crooked ears, provide us with enough happiness to last a lifetime. On our worst days, it is always nice to find a familiar face at home, who is always happy to see us.

4. Selfless Attitude

Caring for someone besides yourself and putting aside your needs in order to ensure someone else's happiness, is truly selfless. Not everyone sees life as a way to give back. We live in a self-absorbed world where being selfish is a platform for greatness. We learn to distance ourselves from others because we do not want to give our trust, care, and commitment to the wrong person. While humans may live selfish lives, a dog's life is anything but that. Our dogs only want three things from us. They want us to care for them, love them, and never leave them. These three basic needs mean more to a dog than anything else. Having someone love them for a lifetime, care for them daily, and keep them for as long as they live, are the things that make them happy. They never ask for more than what we can give, or put their needs before ours. They put their love for us above everything else. They are truly selfless.

5. Unconditional Love

The love that we all strive to have one day, is becoming meaningless. We think that the person we marry one day will love us unconditionally, or that the people in our lives will stick around when things get tough, yet we are left alone. We cannot rely on other people to love us anymore because our vows mean nothing. We have destroyed the meaning of love because we forgot what the true meaning was. The only real display of love comes from a heap of warm fur, laying its tired head on our lap. They are forever grateful for the care we have provided them, and the love we have shown them. Our dogs love us for what we are on the inside and outside. They do not judge us or leave us when times get hard. They really do love us unconditionally.

Our dogs are more than pets. They are a part of our family that can never be replaced. They live to be our best friends and choose to spend their short lives with us. As my dog gets older, I cannot help but worry, because one day I am going to lose my best friend. We have shared great memories together, and I could not ask for a better dog. It is important that we make memories with our dogs, and show them unconditional love. They may not be perfect, but humans are not perfect either. They have earned every second of our time, and every bit of our love. Be thankful for your dogs, and never stop loving them.