19 Reasons Why My Dog Is My Best Friend
Originally published in 2014.
It’s cliche I know, but my dog truly is my best friend. She’s my exercise partner, a great snuggle buddy, and she’s always happy to see me when I come home.
My Dog Is My Best Friend
Now let me make this clear; Laika isn’t perfect. She doesn’t like horses or small dogs, jumps up on kitchen counters (yeah, like a cat), howls in her sleep, and has some resource guarding issues. But I’m certainly not perfect either.
We’re both flawed, and both of us plenty of issues that we’re working on. But together we make a great pair. She’s teaching me to be more patient & have more empathy, and I’m teaching her that horses aren’t evil and that kitchen counters aren’t to be walked on.
Here’s Why I Consider My Dog My Best Friend
1. She loves naps as much as I do. As soon as I lie down on the couch she cuddles right up next to me, and she knows how to get her sleep on.
2. She doesn’t talk back. Sometimes when she gets on my nerves (like when I find her walking on the counters) I tell her that her mother was a rotten Chihuahua. She doesn’t argue. Sometimes I like to remind her that she doesn’t even know what zip code she’s in. She doesn’t argue.
3. She’s always up for an adventure. She doesn’t care about the what, when, where or how. She’s up for anything. It could be going for a hike, to the lake, or just out to pull some weeds. If I get up and put on my shoes on at 3am she’s ready and happy to go along.
4. She lets me watch what I want on TV. She doesn’t complain when I put on a Golden Girls marathon or watch Edward Scissorhands for the 78th time. On days where I’m feeling a little extra cranky I might even put on Dr. Pol, just so she knows if I really wanted to I could make him our vet.
5. She likes my “cooking.“ Whether it’s chopped carrots, frozen peanut butter, or adding just a touch of olive oil to her dinner she’s grateful.
6. She’s easy to buy for. I’ve yet to buy her a toy she doesn’t like, and she even loves playing with the boxes they come in. Now that doesn’t mean that those toys last long, but I’ve yet to give her something she doesn’t appreciate. (even if it’s just ripping it apart)
7. She thinks I’m a good masseuse. I have no formal training in giving massages, but that doesn’t matter to Laika. She gladly accepts any doggie massage I offer.
8. She doesn’t care if I look silly. She’ll go out in public with me not matter what I’m wearing, even when it’s my green hoodie with kitty faces all over it paired with a ripped pair of jeans and some nice poop bag accessories.
9. She gives the best greetings. Everyday, without fail, she’s happy to see me when I come home. Not just happy either – it’s full on wiggle butt excitement. I can’t tell you the last time a human greeted me so warmly.
10. She’s my alarm system. I don’t need to worry about anyone coming into our yard without her noticing. I’m also well aware anytime a leaf happens to land on the mailbox, there’s a ladybug on the ceiling, or when there’s a fly on the window. Not much goes unnoticed with her around.
11. She’s constantly there for me. If I had a bad day she’s there, and she’ll always be there when I need a shoulder to lean on.
12. She doesn’t judge me. She doesn’t care how much money I make or what my social status is. She doesn’t even know what zip code we’re in.
13. She’s fun. She’s always up for a game of tug, fetch, or find it. And when I’m feeling a little tired she’s happy to catch bubbles or play with the hose. And she’s always finding ways to make me smile, like when I get to work and find one of her toys in my pocket. (pockets are one of her favorite places to hide things)
14. She’s a great vacuum. I don’t ever have to worry about cleaning up the kitchen floor.
15. She’s the best at keeping secrets. I can tell her my anything without worrying she’ll spill the beans.
16. She makes me feel better when I’m sick. She’ll be my cuddle buddy when I’m under the weather. Occasionally I’ll wake up to a Kong in the face – but she’s good for the most part.
17. She helps me in the garden. She’s a better digger than I am, and I don’t even have to buy her gloves. Pulling weeds? She’s a pro. (though I do sort of regret teaching her that since a few blueberry bushes have had to be replanted)
18. She loves it when my friends come over. No matter what hour of the day she’s always up for company.
19. She keeps me motivated to stay in shape. I don’t think you can find a better exercise partner than a dog. They’re always up for it. And even on those days where I’m feeling lazy I do it because I know how much it means to her.
Is Your Dog Your Best Friend?
Have you ever had a friend more loyal than your dog? Do you consider your dog your best friend? Do you think the relationship would change if they could talk back?
Lauren Miller says
I love this post!!! Laika is so cute!!!
Jen Gabbard says
Aw thanks 🙂
Dolly the Doxie says
Laika is adorable great pictures! Mom confesses to now just brush crumbs off of the kitchen counter because she knows I’ll clean them up! Love Dolly
Jen Gabbard says
Yeah that’s pretty much the way it goes around here too lol
Miley's Daily Scoop says
What a fantastic post, we agree with all of them!
Jen Gabbard says
Thanks, they’re so agreeable aren’t they?
It's Dog Or Nothing says
Love this so much. Such great reasons 🙂
Rachel Sheppard says
So sweet! i definitely agree with #1, Rooney loves naps like I love naps too!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
Very sweet. I am also grateful that Mr. N is not a morning dog. He likes sleeping in with me!
Jen Gabbard says
Isn’t that just the best 🙂
HuskyCrazed says
aww!! That was so adorable!!!!! <3
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Elaine says
These are great! Especially #4 – Watching Dr. Pol, lol!
Jen Gabbard says
I know – I figure something like Dr. Pol has to terrify animals – “you see that cow doesn’t even get anesthesia!”
Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says
I recently broke my arm and needed surgery, 2 of my dogs are completely awesome at keeping me company. I’ve never appreciated cuddly dogs so much. Dogs make great best friends!
Jen Gabbard says
It’s amazing how compassionate they can be, they really do seem to empathize when we’re either sad or ill. They do make the best of friends. Sorry to hear about your arm.
2 brown dawgs blog says
Great list!
Amanda Yantos says
These are all so true! Wynston is my best friend…and my everything <3
Jodi Jarvis-Therrian says
you are a woman after my own heart I feel the same way …enjoyed reading your story
Jen Gabbard says
Aww, thank you so much. Laika is my ‘heart’ dog for sure – the one that really strikes a strong bond.
Heather Powderly says
Laika is a cutie patootie! And this post is so honest. My Chuleta is my best friend, too! (And they really are the best at keeping secrets!)
MyDogLikes says
Well said. Dogs are such amazing creatures.
I just love their outlook on life – always ready for the next adventure. Doesn’t matter what it is or the time of day – they will happily join you!
Kevin Hagan says
I LOVE your Dog. My Dog is absolutely my very best friend. She has been there for me through major open heart surgery, a divorce, a broken engagement and economic disasters. She is loyal and true. Btw. Laila is very cute.
Shaanti Raychaudhuri says
AWW! UR DOGGIE IS SO CUTE!!! My dog’s my BFF to.
Chloe says
Such a lovely post! Bought a tear to my eye. I can relate to all of these points, my dog is my best friend too❤️
eva adams says
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