North Texas Daily

Dogs have been known as man’s best friend for as long as I can remember.

They are creatures of love, affection and life. Don’t get me wrong, they make us angry when they don’t listen and will sometimes pee in the house — even though they know they aren’t supposed to.We still love them anyway. Their sweet puppy eyes and wagging tails are enough to reel us in and forever have our hearts.

So what does it mean to be a dog lover? Oh, so many things.

Man’s best friend

First and foremost, dogs are a huge source of joy in your life.

I know from personal experience that dogs aren’t just here to get fed and to use the restroom. My dogs are always down to go on adventures and to actually live their lives with me.

When I get home from a long day of work or a stressful day at school, I look to my dogs for a good cuddle. They make you feel like you are the only important person in their lives. There’s something peaceful about sitting on your couch and watching a movie with your dog sitting right beside you as you rub their belly. After all, who better to give you a sloppy wet kiss when you are crying in your room at night?

In the media

Dogs are always that one animal in movies that play the lovable human companion — and rightfully so. They are either the protectors or the best friend of the main character, or child of a happy couple. Either way, you never see dogs as the villains. If anything, cats are almost always portrayed as the antagonists.

Cats are cold 

When people come to me to argue cats are nearly as good enough as pets as dogs, I chuckle.

Cats are some of the least loving animals I know. You aren’t their pet — they think you are their pet.

Every cat I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting has been so cold to me. They do not accept my affection or niceness.

That’s not to say all cats are like this. Though I will say the feeling I get when I see a cat is nothing close to the feeling of when I see a dog walking my way. At night, if I see a stray cat lost and lurking, it won’t come near me. It would rather be fed and have me go my separate way. There’s no intimacy between me and the cat.

But dogs never gets tired of your presence. They usually want more attention because they think you haven’t given them enough. It’s almost as if they have this hole that always needs to be filled with love. I know it sounds cheesy, but if you are ever fortunate enough to meet a dog, you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

They need love, and you have some to give. It makes them the perfect companion and lifelong friend.

I’ll choose dogs any and every chance I get.

Featured Image: Illustration by Austin Banzon