Lisa O
Animals have a unique ability to bring us joy that’s hard to replicate. Getting a new puppy can sometimes be tough, as it requires patience and responsibility. But once you bring that adorable bundle of fur into your home, you won’t want to imagine life without them. To celebrate dedicated dog parents everywhere, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things only dog owners understand.
Dogs are always a top priority
Dogs are often called ‘man’s best friend’. It seems fitting that they come first in many aspects: They’re the first to eat in the morning, the first we check on if we accidentally bump into them, and sometimes we even prioritize their needs over our own, like canceling trips to be with them. Their need for attention, grooming, and social interaction often takes over our own and even over human children.
They watch over us
Dogs are more than just our first friends; they’re also our guardians. They watch over us, checking if we’re alright. Many nights, we wake up to find their eyes fixed on us. They’re not hungry or needing to go out—they’re simply checking in. It can feel a bit odd and even intimidating, especially in new relationships where your partner might find their vigilant presence a bit unnerving.
Dogs shower us with love
Dogs love us deeply. Being loved in this way is rare—many people don’t even experience it in their closest relationships. It’s knowing that you mean the world to someone, seeing their boundless love and joy every time they look at you. That’s why your dog wags its tail and dances with happiness whenever it sees you, whether you’ve been away for five minutes or five hours.
They pick up on everything
Dogs have incredible senses: They can smell and hear things better than we can, and they’re attuned to details in ways we aren’t—including knowing when we’re about to leave. So when we start packing for a trip without them, even gradually, they sense it. They’re highly aware, and this realization can make them anxious. However, if it turns out we’re actually packing for a vacation they get to join, their anxiety transforms into pure joy.
They’re always there to lend a paw
Dogs are always there to assist you—whether you spill something in the kitchen, drop food on the floor, or have leftovers on your plate. They also offer comfort when you feel sad or have a rough day. It’s like they know exactly how to help in any situation. Nowadays, dogs have important jobs as guides for people who are blind or disabled and as therapy companions in nursing homes and hospitals.
The Fourth of July brings stress to dogs
For all the dog parents, the Fourth of July isn’t about celebration—it’s about keeping our furry friends safe. It means reassuring our scared pups, staying away from fireworks, and hunkering down on the floor for some serious cuddle time. As a ritual, many of us take our dogs for a drive to a quiet place to help them feel more at ease.
Your dog sees the real you
Dogs have an uncanny ability to read people—they can sense our true nature and intentions. If a stranger means harm, dogs will show their distrust unmistakably. Similarly, they know us deeply. They see beyond wealth, appearance, or personality traits like stuttering or shyness. To your dog, you are always enough. They appreciate everything about you and accept you completely.
Dog hair is everywhere
Dog hair is a fact of life. It’s on the floor, your clothes, in your hair, car, purse, even your food—everywhere you look. You might not love it, but when your dog is your top priority, it doesn’t bother you too much. However, if you prefer a hair-free environment, a damp cloth, especially microfiber cloths or sponges, can help you easily clean up a lot of pet hair.
Dogs are reliable alarm clocks
It’s a healthy habit to keep devices out of the bedroom, like cell phones with alarms. Instead, using an old-fashioned alarm clock is recommended. But if you have a furry friend, you might not even need that! Dog owners know that dogs are incredibly punctual. Like many animals, dogs have a circadian rhythm—a built-in clock that regulates their sleep and activity times. They can also remember past events using their senses.
There’s always room for another furry friend
When you love a dog, it touches your heart and soul deeply. This love is infectious, and we’re eager to extend it to people and other animals. So when another furry friend crosses our path, we make room for one more. Our furry family greets the new member with wagging tails. Embrace this generosity—it means there’s always room in our hearts for human friends, too, as long as they respect the pack’s ways.