I’ve never been the kind to hide my affection for dogs. People look at me, puzzled, when I tell them about Wendy my dearly departed dog and I still get all choked up. Sometimes I think I love dogs more than I love babies or kids. Although I still get terrified of stray dogs (I had a traumatic experience as a kid), I nonetheless love these creatures – even more so now while browsing the net looking for stuff to kill boredom.

Turns out, dogs have more benefits than we actually realize. I’m sure all dog lovers can relate, and if you’re not one, perhaps now’s the time to be a dog fan

Dogs as Doctors!

This is nothing to quack about. A study has shown that dogs have a 1 percent error rate when diagnosing life threatening diseases as compared to the 34 percent of doctors. It was reported that a woman’s life was saved when her dog kept sniffing a mole at her thigh but ignored other moles – the dog even tried to bite off the mole when she was wearing shorts. After consulting with a doctor, the mole was removed and was confirmed to be a malignant melanoma.

Dogs Can Help You Lose Weight!
A bit common sense, don’t you think? If you have a dog, you’d know it’s prerogative for dogs to have their daily walks – if not they’d get obese like their human counterparts (overweight people tend to have overweight pets). In addition, I find myself sweating gallons just convincing my dog to take a bath! South Beach Diet? Meh.

Dogs Help You Socialize!
Let’s not be coy and admit to ourselves that sometimes we don’t walk the dog for its physical benefits but for the good it does to our social life. Having a dog tag along in one of your walks makes you seem as more open and approachable to other people. In fact, I’ve seen a lot of girls walking their dogs for show. I don’t endorse having a dog for shallow reasons but if it helps you expand your network, and your dog is well taken care of – then please, by all means, adopt a dog today.

Dogs Will Listen to You Whine and Won’t Complain
One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you’re feeling blue is that he doesn’t try to find out why. ~Author Unknown. 

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face – Ben Williams.

I remember getting all depressed over a boy and Wendy would just be there to listen – as if she had any choice, haha! A study has shown more people experience less stress when talking to dogs instead of friends or family – the fact that they don’t judge and only love us makes them even better than friends in the listening department (and they can’t exactly talk back now can they?)

Dogs will love you unconditionally.

No matter how strange or weird looking you are, or whatever flaw people can see you in – they are oblivious to it. With just a wag of a tail and those puppy dog eyes, you know you are being received warmly – no words necessary.

These are just some of the reasons I can give you for loving your dog or adopting one – remember that having a dog entails additional responsibilities and it can be difficult at times – but when you think of the benefits and how all they’ve ever wanted is to serve and love us, who could resist? Give your dog a hug today!

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