It’s a Friday night and I cross the threshold into yet another semi-gross party on campus. Music is blaring, there’s a roar of chatter going on amongst the guests and liquid sloshes out of lazy hands holding red Solo cups. I begin to make my way towards a group of my friends when I see him. As he turns his head to look at me, I take in his shaggy blond hair, his deep brown eyes and just the hint of whiskers on his face. I completely forget about my friends as I make a beeline towards him. As I lean in to say hello, he plants a big, slobbery kiss on my face. The yellow lab thumps his tail happily and I deem myself on “Doggy Duty” for the rest of the night. I fill his water bowl, take him outside away from the noise and find a dark, quiet room for him to sleep in when it gets late. "Definitely one of the better parties I've been to" I smile to myself at the end of the night.
When I say that I am a dog person, I don’t mean I prefer dogs to cats or any other type of animal. I prefer dogs to people.
At the age of 16 I began working at a veterinary clinic. Here I am, five years later, still working at that same clinic, but now with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with a pre-vet emphasis. I am even in the process of applying to veterinary school. So when I say I have literally met hundreds of dogs, I am not exaggerating. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly of our canine counterparts. But for as many snarly, anxious, aggressive dogs that I have met, I still truly believe they are better than people. Somehow dogs are able to pack more love, compassion and loyalty into their short lives than any person can in 80 plus years.
Dogs tell it like it is.
Dogs have no reason to beat around the bush when it comes to their feelings and emotions. When dogs are happy, they couldn’t hide it even if they wanted to. Their tails thump and they become furry little firecrackers, ready to explode. They also aren’t ones to hide their fear or anger. There’s nothing passive-aggressive about our pooches. People won’t let out deep growls to warn you when they’re getting pushed too far or are about to snap. No, your dog won’t be that passive-aggressive, fake person you have to worry about. You’ll always know exactly how they’re feeling.
Dogs love unconditionally.
This is one of the things I love most about our furry friends. Dogs will love anyone who gives them love in return. They don’t care what kind of house you live in or what kind of car you drive. Dogs don’t judge you based on your appearance or your salary. If you had a bad day and you’re in a crabby mood, they’ll still love you. If you had a crazy busy day and forgot to feed them breakfast, they’ll still love you. Provide them with love and safety, and in their eyes, you can do no wrong. I wish so badly that people could learn from dogs in this aspect.
Dogs are always there when you need them.
If you have ever owned a dog, you know they have a sort of sixth sense. Even though they don’t watch the news, they can feel storms coming hours in advance (and if you’re lucky enough to have an anxious dog, this is sometimes when your couches get chewed or socks get swallowed). Dogs are also used to detect seizures in some people before they happen. Dogs are the first ones to crawl up beside you when you’re feeling sick. If you’re having the worst day, your dog knows that all you need is for them to put their head in your lap and stare up at you. Without using words, dogs are able to help people overcome fear, anxiety, sickness and depression.
Dogs are a constant best friend.
We all know that coordinating with friends can be a hassle. People are always too busy or don’t respond and you are stuck wishing you had someone to hang out with. Dogs will never be too busy. They will do anything, anywhere, with you - no questions asked. Want to go for a run? Bring your dog. Hang out at the beach? Bring your dog. Sit outside a coffee shop? Go for a long drive? Those activities that you feel sad or lame doing alone are the ones your pup can’t wait to accompany you on. They won’t be picky about the places you go or judge you for being the only human there. For their wonderful, but far too short life, you are their best friend.
I know there are wonderful people in the world who display some of the qualities I listed above, and there are certainly more good people in the world than bad ones. But I have met far too many fake, dishonest and unkind people to ever be convinced that they are better than our dogs. When a person can help a child overcome his angry and aggressive tendencies simply by existing, I might be convinced. When a person can give you a sense of companionship, comfort and safety just by looking at you, I might be convinced. For now, I am perfectly content filling my home and my heart with four-legged friends.
