Dogs are known as ‘Mans best friend’, with good reason. They can quite simply be the most loyal friend you could ever have. Of course they won’t be able to give you any words of wisdom or go training at the gym with you but there are many other quality things you can do together. From a personal point of view my own dogs bring so much to my life, here are some examples:

Companionship

Before my dog came to live with me I struggled to find a reason to go out for a walk or to get someone to come with me. My dog now accompanies me every time, without fail. I have always enjoyed my walks out with my dog.

Motivation

Most people have those days when it’s difficult to motivate yourself. If you have a dog you need to. Every morning, my dog will make his way upstairs at around the same time and nuzzle his head under the covers to greet me. Sound like a nightmare? I can’t get annoyed with him. When they are visibly so happy to see you and are always in a good mood, how can you?

Safety Outdoors

Going back to my walks, there are areas I like to stroll that I wouldn’t have visited by myself now, having my wonderful loyal dog with me provides that element of security. Even though he is an exceptionally friendly pet, he will turn into a protector if he senses danger. Although I think that I would also become a protector of him too! Well, that’s what friends are for, right?

Safety at Home

Today when few people feel completely safe in their own home, having a dog is an excellent deterrant. Most dogs will bark or alert you in some way if they see someone too close to the house or hear a noise they aren’t expecting. Mine does and he wasn’t trained to do it; it’s instinct. As long as the would-be-intruder doesn’t realise my dog will probably happily play ball with anyone of course!

Entertainment

I am never bored at home I have to say. You know those days when you want to do something but don’t know what. You don’t want to go out, there’s nothing on the television, you don’t want to read. Well, given the slightest hint and you have a four legged buddy only too happy to provide some entertainment to your day. Teach him a new trick, play ball or frisbee or go out for a stroll. Boredom eliminated!

I get all this joy for the cost of the adoption fee, a bag of dog food each month and the odd vet bill. I wouldn’t trade my four legged best buddy for anything.

Just remember that while they aren’t human, having a dog is almost like having a child. You need to take good care of him/her. He needs his medical check ups, he needs to be fed a healthy diet and he needs to be given lots of attention and guidance to make sure he grows into a good adult dog. So make sure you find a good vet, a decent pet supplies shop and read some dog books too because there are plenty out there.