When you’re gathered around the table this Thanksgiving with your friends and family, counting all the things you’re thankful for, keep in mind that there’s someone under the table who deserves a special holiday shoutout: your dog! Yes, it’s that furry, four-legged family member, the one who really wants (but shouldn’t have) your leftovers. Take some time this year to celebrate your dog — after all, he loves you very much and asks for nothing in return (although, he would probably appreciate a treat or two).
We thought of seven reasons we’re thankful for our canine friends, but we know there are probably hundreds more. Please share why you’re thankful for your dog in the comments section below.
They Help Keep You in Shape
Nothing will motivate you to get up off the couch
and go for a walk like a dog pacing by the door. Not only does this simple
activity help forge a bond with your furry best friend, but studies have shown
that walking a dog for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart
disease, relieve stress and more. Now that’s something to be thankful for.
They're Expert Cuddlers
So, you sometimes might complain that your Great Dane takes
up your entire king-sized bed, and
maybe you can hardly sit down without your Pomeranian jumping in your lap, but
admit it: Snuggling with your pup is the best. And how could it not be? It’s a
sign that your dog loves you. As you watch the big game with your family this
Thanksgiving, save a spot on the couch for your dog; he’ll definitely
appreciate it.
They Don't Judge
Dogs don’t care about the following things: what you look
like, how much money you make, what you do for a living, how much you weigh, who
you’re going to vote for in 2016, where you grew up, who you love or what you
do in your free time. We could go on, but you get the idea: Dogs accept you for
who you are and aren’t going to try to change you or make fun of you or gossip
about you — something that we could all be better about.
They Know How to Have Fun
Grab a ball or a toy and look at your dog’s face. See that
smile? Doesn’t he look like he’s having the time of his life? Chances are, if
your dog’s having a good time, you are, too. There are so many activities you
can do together that are fun: playing fetch, going for a walk, hiking, teaching
tricks and trying agility. Imagine all the things you’d miss out on if you didn't have a dog!
They'll Comfort You When You're Sad
When you’re feeling down, sometimes the best comfort comes from
your four-legged friends. In fact, studies have shown that people who have pets
are more likely to have better self-esteem and tend to be less lonely, less
fearful, less depressed and less preoccupied than people who don’t own pets.
The holidays can be an especially tough time for some people — be grateful that
you have a loyal companion who will be by your side through thick and thin.
They Know How to Put a Smile on Your Face
We dare you to spend an hour with your dog and not smile.
It’s impossible. We’ve tried. It’s hard not to laugh when a dog chases his
tail, performs a trick on command or cocks his head. There’s no way you can
watch this video of a dog jumping through a pile of leaves without cracking a
smile. Plus, if you’re smiling because of your dog, we bet the people around
you are smiling, too.
They Love You Unconditionally
No matter who you are or what you do, your dog loves you
unconditionally. There are no ultimatums, like: I’ll only love you if you buy me that polka dot collar by January 2. Your dog won’t stop hanging out with you because he made a new best friend who’s
cooler than you are and gives out better treats. Really, thoughts like these would never
even cross his mind because a dog’s love has no bounds, and your pup is happy
just to be a part of your forever family.
