11 Reasons Why Adopting A Dog Makes Your Life Better

If you're thinking of adding a furry friend to your home or giving one as a gift, it's a huge benefit for many reasons...

1. They bring so much joy!

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If you're the type of person that gets happy when you see someone else happy, then a dog is that x 10. They get overly excited about going for a walk and getting a good belly rub. You know you love seeing them happy, and that makes you happy.

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2. They are the best stress reliever.

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Playing with or petting an animal can increase the level of the stress-reducing hormone 'oxytocin' and decrease production of the stress hormone 'cortisol'. These changes in hormones can make a nervous child feel more relaxed about reading aloud. Naturally, less stress means better health. Pets are especially great for people with high blood pressure because the company alone lowers the blood pressure in times of mental stress.

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3. They're great company.

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Whether you live alone or your spouse is always on a business trip, your furry friend is the best company and body guard. Without them, the house feels empty and lifeless. No head resting on your lap as you watch TV or the jingle of the collar moving throughout the house. Or my favorite: when you're both doing your own thing and you kinda just look at each other at the same time and your eyes say "you good?"

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4. They're always happy to see you.

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There's no greater feeling than coming home after a stressful day at work and being tackled by a furry creature with slobbery kisses. You could be gone for 10 minutes or 10 hours. To them, it feel like a lifetime away from you. They never take you for granted.

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5. They give unconditional love.

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Dogs aren't the type to hold a grudge. They love us unconditionally because they tend to forgive us quickly. You yell at them for breaking your new pillows, put them in time-out, and then a few moments later they go about as if nothing happened but they definitely learned a lesson. No hard feelings...

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...even after dog shaming. That's true love <3

6. They never judge you.

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You can dance like a fool or sing like a dying whale and the dog will never judge you. They might raise their ears or tilt their head in concern, but they will never ever take a picture and blackmail you after for it.

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Unlike cats...

7. It gives you an excuse to exercise.

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They are the best workout partners. Dog owners are more likely to exercise daily by taking their dog out for walks. This is a great health benefit for both and it's another way to bond.

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8. They help you with social interactions...

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..or it may worse them because you want to only hang out with your pup. But let's say you do go out for a stroll in the park and you meet your soulmate 101 Dalmatians style.

9. They make you a better person.

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You become more compassionate because you are taking care of a creature that can't care for themselves. They fully depend on you to feed and clean up after them. The work is well worth seeing that tail wag!

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10. They're a cheap gift!

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Usually when you adopt a pet, the cost of a spay/neuter, first vaccines (and sometimes microchipping) is included in the adoption price, which can save you lots of money upfront! Depending on the animal, you can also save on training and housebreaking costs.

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11. You're saving a life.

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It's a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing that by bringing this loving pup home, you saved it from an unloved, abused, and lonely life. Not only is the dog you're adopting being saved, but it makes room for other dogs to get a chance at life. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

Are you ready to save a life?

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Then check out The Shelter Pet Project. They make finding your new family member easy. Click the link to find pets near you of every size, color, temperament, and breed. Purebred and mixed breed animals alike are waiting for their forever homes!

Who is The Shelter Pet Project?

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The Shelter Pet Project is the result of a collaborative effort between two leading animal welfare groups, The Humane Society of the United States and Maddie’s Fund, and the leading producer of public service advertising (PSA) campaigns, The Ad Council. Their goal is to make shelters the first place potential adopters turn when looking to get a new pet, ensuring that all healthy and treatable pets find loving homes. They do this by breaking down misconceptions surrounding shelter pets and communicating that “A person is the best thing to happen to a shelter pet. Be that person. Adopt."

The Shelter Pet Project, launched in 2009, is a public service ad campaign focused on spreading the word that pets in shelters are wonderful and lovable, and encouraging potential adopters to consider the shelter as the first place to look when acquiring a “new best friend.”