Some people are pet people, others aren’t. Then there are people who don’t know that they are pet people because they simply have never experienced the joy that having a pet in your home can bring.

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 advice or help you move house but they can do a whole lot of other things. From my own point of view my own dogs have given me so much in my life, here are some examples:

Companionship

Before my dog came to live with me I would need to find a reason to go for a stroll or for someone to come with me. My dog comes with me every time now. I have never not enjoyed a walk out with my dog.

Motivation

There are days in everyone’s life when you don’t feel like getting up in the morning. If you have a dog you have to. My dog makes his way upstairs every morning at the same time to greet me by nuzzling his head under the covers. Sound like a terrible nightmare? I just can’t be angry with him. When they are visibly so happy to see you and are always in a good mood, how can you?

Safety Outdoors

Referring back to my walks, there are places I enjoy visiting that I would never have visited on my own now, having my wonderful loyal canine companion at my side 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! That is what friends are for right?

Safety at Home

In this day and age when nobody feels completely safe in their own home, having a dog is an excellent deterrant. Even dogs not trained as a guard dog will bark if they hear a noise they aren’t expecting or see a person too close to the house that they don’t know when you are not in the room. Mine does and he wasn’t trained to do it; it’s instinct. As long as the ‘would be robber’ doesn’t catch on that my dog would simply jump at him and except some kind of praise, we’ll be ok!

Entertainment

I have to say I am never bored in my house. 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, your four legged canine friend will only too happily provide entertainement for as long as necessary. Teach him a new trick, play ball or frisbee or go out for a stroll. Boredom disappears like magic!

I get all this joy for the cost of the adoption fee, a bag of dog food each month and the odd vet bill. My canine best friend; I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

Keep in mind that 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 find a good local vet, a decent pet supplies shop and read some dog books too because there are plenty out there.

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