They say that a dog is man’s best friend, and considering the fact that we humans have been sharing our lives, homes, and company with these furry companions throughout recorded history, there’s likely to be something to that notion.

In a busy age such as our own, where business and the market preoccupy much of our time, and when high tech solutions such as RNA automation streamline the way that we receive goods and services, it’s sometimes best to return to basics, and seek comfort and joy from those “low tech” interactions we can enjoy with people and things.

Owning a dog provides a constant and ongoing opportunity to be reminded of, and enjoy, the simple things in life.

If you’re on the fence and are looking for factors and considerations to help you make your decision, here are some reasons to consider getting a dog.

For companionship

Dogs provide essential companionship, in a way not entirely unlike the company of other people. Dogs are inquisitive, enthusiastic, aware of social dynamics in their particular canine kind of way, and enjoy giving and receiving attention and affection to their owners.

If you find yourself living in relative isolation; perhaps living alone, and not seeing friends or relatives quite as often as you’d like, buying a dog could be a great way of adding some companionship to your life. Even if you do have a busy home, occupied by your family, a dog can add something brilliant to the overall mix.

For children, a dog can be a great companion that helps them to express their natural sense of play. For single people, or those living alone, a dog can be the enthusiastic welcome home after a long day at work, or else can be something to care for in order to forget your own stresses.

To force you to get out of the house and exercise every so often

It’s a pretty well-acknowledged rule that in today’s technologically driven world, many of us don’t get nearly as much exercise as we really should. For that matter, it’s also the case that most of us spend very little time outside, being instead confined to our living rooms and offices depending on the time of day, or day of the week.

A dog forces you to get out of the house and get your requisite dose of fresh air and (ideally) sunshine. Walking your dog also forces you to walk yourself, getting some much-needed exercise in the process.

Getting a dog may genuinely help to improve your health.

To help improve your mood

There seems to be some evidence that people with dogs are happier as a rule than people without dogs, and it’s an easy claim to believe.

Dogs can uplift our moods by offering us the kind of loyalty and love that we might lack from other people. Dogs help to distract us from our own hangups and thought loops. Dogs help to make us feel connected, and offer new opportunities for fun and uplifting play.

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Image via Pixabay