10 Stories That Prove Dogs Are Too Good For This World

"My mom moved to California in 2016 because both my brother and I lived in Los Angeles, but when she arrived in LA, she found the transition to be a bit lonely. My mom went to a rescue organization in Los Angeles and found Getty, a dachshund-chihuahua mix. He became her immediate companion and went everywhere with her. He even became a model for a custom dog-harness business she started. The two of them trained to have Getty run in the dachshund races in Huntington Beach. The picture of Getty above is after he lost a race, but you can't tell because that dog is ALL SMILES ALL THE TIME. I can tell that Getty's companionship meant a great deal to my mom during this difficult transition."

—Bryan B.

"My dog, Hank, definitely made me get out of my comfort zone and saved my life, in a way. Before him, I was content to stay in every night and be an introvert. But when I adopted him three years ago, I suddenly had a best bud to try new things with: new hiking trails, new dog parks, new dog-friendly restaurants, etc. He also is NOT shy and walks right up to strangers to ask for pets. So I learned how to make small talk with people I normally wouldn't. Now they're some of my really good friends! Thanks, Hank."

—Caitlin C.

"I transferred to a new high school my sophomore year, and between being in my PEAK awkward phase and missing out on a year of bonding with other students, I had trouble making friends. This resulted in a pretty low point in my life where I felt lonely and different. One thing I liked to do when I was sad was go to the pet shop, where one day I found a litter of adorable dachshunds. I gravitated toward one in particular. He was the runt of the litter — smaller than the rest, shy, and too anxious to play with the other puppies. He was an outsider like me. Finally, one day I got to take him home! Having Willis by my side reminded me that I wasn't alone."

—Alex S.

"My brother was going through a tough time with chronic Lyme disease, and our family had recently gotten three puppies. They were a reason for him to get out of bed most mornings, and he spent a lot of time and effort training them. And even when he couldn't get out of bed, they were the best snuggle buddies and would lie with him for hours."

—Kylie M.

"Bella has changed my family's life in so many ways and is always watching over my daughter. Once, when my daughter was about 4 years old, she was playing in the backyard. All of a sudden I heard her scream, so I rushed to the backdoor. She was surrounded by a pack of six raccoons that had wandered into the backyard. Luckily, my little 4-pound Bella got right next to my daughter in the middle of the raccoon pack. Any one of those raccoons was three times her size, but they didn't know what to do with this angry little chihuahua. So all six of them scurried across the yard and over the wall. Since then, Bella has always gone outside when my daughter is in the backyard just to keep watch."

—Jack R.

"The story of my dog, Aly, and me has a less-than-perfect beginning: When my family and I were looking to adopt, we were torn between her and a rambunctious husky. I was convinced the husky was the dog for us, but the rest of my family disagreed. Because I was 12 and melodramatic, I spent the days that followed sulking before I even thought to give my sweet dog a chance. I think that was the most incorrect I've ever been in my life. I got 11 great years with Aly, this affectionate being who always knew when to lovingly jam her head into my arm or relentlessly use the "paw" trick I taught her until I'd offer up 100% undivided attention. I spent a lot of my late teens and early twenties pretty depressed, and there were some nights when I felt particularly isolated. I think she knew when I needed her."

—Kyle D.

"My family definitely changed after we got Barnabus. My daughter, who is nuts about him, no longer feels like an only child; the backseat isn't a lonely place for her anymore. We howl with him, and we sleep with him. He lies next to us when we're sick and orders us out of the room when he eats. Our bond as a family is stronger because of him. But I think, honestly, I am the most changed out of anyone. I went from having a slight fear of dogs to having true love for them. I get it now, and my life is so much better."

—Martha J.

"Bernie def saved my life! I got him at a point when I was extremely depressed, and he gave me a reason to get out of bed and keep living. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn't gotten him."

—Zoe S.

"Being a dog owner gives you so many little moments that make your heart melt. Since I was a child (and still to this day), I am such a grouch if I don't get a good night's sleep. But since the arrival of our pup, Bowie, she's woken my wife and me up at 7 a.m. on the dot every day, and that whole "eight hours of sleep" thing has gone out the window. Bowie has made me less of a grouch, and I even make it to the gym every morning!"

—Christopher L.

"Riker has made me the person I always wanted to be. Because of him, I never hit the "snooze" button (he has a 6 a.m. internal alarm clock), and I’m way more outdoorsy. We spend a lot of time outside and take lots of walks. He’s also a social butterfly and friends with everyone in the neighborhood! I answer to “Riker’s Mom” more often than my own name."

—Jordan M.