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Dogs are a very special kind of animal, in the sense that they were bred for the purpose of domestication. From their ancestors, those were chosen that were the most compliant or the most useful, resulting in countless dog breeds who all do different things, some better than others. For example, a German Shepherd can be a great sheepherder, but a Rottweiler can make a great attack dog. Regardless of their breeds, there is one thing they have in common.
They all give us joy.
It’s their antics, their behaviours, their joys in our existence, that give us that sweet, sweet serotonin whenever we look upon their little faces. Loyal to a fault, and always there for you, depending on different kinds of breeds, the puppy that you have in your own home, or the one stray that enjoys your company whenever you walk past his home, they’re all predisposed for our affection. The only exceptions, perhaps, are the kinds of stray dogs who have not seen humans in decades, which is highly unlikely.
PetsForPatriots did a wonderful piece on why dogs make us so happy.
Dogs have served as man’s best friend and worked alongside us for thousands and thousands of years. The loyal companionship and unconditional love of dogs has been written about throughout human history. Our canine buddies are always there for us, in good times and in bad. They are our friends when we are lonely and a reason to laugh when we are down. They are faithful, judgment-free sounding boards who we can play with, snuggle with, and – most importantly – be ourselves with.
This is Teddy and Rusty. They have a symbiotic relationship in which all parties benefit, including anyone who happens to see them together. 14/10 for both pic.twitter.com/IQjnr8kTZQ
— WeRateDogs® (@dog_rates) January 23, 2020
oh to be a dog in a bowl pic.twitter.com/IUuc2sSIYP
— nins (@gle3m) January 12, 2020
Physical exercise causes the human body to release endorphins – chemicals that make us feel happy. Research has also found a possible link between a lack of vitamin D – obtained through sun exposure – and depression.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology revealed that “pet owners exhibited greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, were less lonely, were more conscientious, were more socially outgoing, and had healthier relationship styles (i.e., they were less fearful and less preoccupied) than non-owners.” Dogs inspire us to get outside and be more active, which can lead to increased mental well-being over time. One way to look at it is that dogs make us happy because they are the catalyst for other healthy behaviors in our lives.
By walking our dogs or just spending time with them outside on a sunny day we are likely to become more content. More than four in five of the Dog Parent Study participants indicated that having a dog has made them more active. 72 percent said that their exercise habits are influenced by their dog.
This dog hit the “woah” better than some of you 🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/BonJCZT6gg
— Cameron Peterson (@_cpeterson94) January 23, 2020
Of the dog parents surveyed in BarkBox’s study, 85 percent revealed that their dogs have “helped them get through a difficult time in their life.” Our four-legged friends teach us patience, compassion, generosity, and kindness. These are all qualities that carry over into our personal and professional lives, and make us better equipped to work and socialize with others.
*my dog existing*
Me: pic.twitter.com/UR0RMtKkGE
— Noel (@NoelSznn) January 18, 2020
Dog said “oh this light work” pic.twitter.com/34TgkFnpO7
— z (@tittymilkmami) January 21, 2020
when your dog stages an intervention
(mmori46 IG) pic.twitter.com/EMgqCWaZ1H— Humor And Animals (@humorandanimals) January 23, 2020
Here’s a good boy getting very excited about finally catching his ball. 14/10 please say you’re proud of him pic.twitter.com/9NXTLoX5AS
— WeRateDogs® (@dog_rates) January 21, 2020
me practicing how I’m gonna show my husband the third dog I come home with pic.twitter.com/ZNHR8YE1UG
— B (@brendasamantha_) January 21, 2020
Do you feel happier now? I sure do! Tell us about it!
