The term "man’s best friend" has been used about the humble canine for decades, if not centuries. However, while many see it as nothing more than a phrase that has fallen into common parlance, there is more truth to this than most would assume. Indeed, the idea that a dog can be your best friend is no longer the ridiculous notion that many took it as.
There are many reasons why dogs are revered as not only pets but companions. Part of this comes from their unconditional love. While a cynic might say a dog will only love you as long as you feed it, dogs genuinely do grow to love their owners. They see you as someone they can look after, they can protect, and can have fun with. Dogs are innocent, they are engaging, and they provide us with love and affection without barriers.
Dogs also have a wonderful trait in that they look at our best points ahead of our negatives. While humans have a habit of focusing on what another person is not as opposed to what they are, a dog is not like this. They see your best points, they put them on a pedestal, and they ignore the parts of you that you might not even like!
All they ask for is some time and love, and yes a little bit of food along the way. Dogs do not hold grudges about previous behavior, and they do not expect you to change to be the person they want you to be. Instead, they love you for who you are – warts and all.
Dogs help us to regulate and understand our emotions
One of the main benefits of having a dog in your life is that it can be brilliant for helping you to control and maintain your emotions. A dog can sense the emotions in the air, and the atmosphere in the room, and adapt to that mood accordingly. They can sense when you are feeling up or down, and they know when you need something to help lift you from a negative mood.
Dogs know when we need a pick-me-up, and they know how to best provide that – whether it’s a bit of fun, some cuddles, or just a bit of silence. Either way, dogs seem to know best when to change to suit their owner. They do not ask for more than they need. And they will always be there for you when you need them.
If that is not a best friend, then what is?