by Sadie Davis

Created on: February 25, 2009

Dogs are the most magnificent creatures and truly are man's best friend. There is no one and nothing else that will love and protect you unconditionally like a dog. Since dogs come in all shapes and sizes, long hair and short, ferocious and sweet, hyper and calm, there is a dog out there that will fit everyones needs and lifestyle. In order to find the perfect match, be sure to do your homework. The perfect match of dog and human will provide both with a lifetime of happiness.

A dog knows all of your emotions and acts accordingly. He knows when you're sick and is more than happy to lie down with you and keep you quiet company until you feel better. I suffer from migraines and my little dog knows when I have one and lies with her head on my pillow, very quietly, all day and night until I feel better. They know when you're sad and they seem to be sad too. They can make you feel a little better just by giving you gentle kisses and lying next to you on the couch. We have to wonder, do dogs have sympathy and empathy? If you're happy, your dog is ecstatic. He's happy because you're happy. What a great friend! Some nights you may be unable to sleep. Most dogs will sit up all night with you just keeping you company. How many of your friends or family members would do that?

Even the gentlest family pet may turn into a raging machine if someone tries to hurt their human friends. Their fierce loyalty is matched by none. Dogs protect their owners territory. Even when you don't hear a knock on the door, guaranteed the dog does and will immediately alert you. Some dogs feel the need to protect their home to the point of not letting people on the property. This all falls under loyalty to the owner. Would your friends protect you like that?

Look at service dogs and their bond with their person. These dogs are trained to do all kinds of things for their humans. I've known a few service dogs in my life and they really seem to enjoy their job and their lifestyle. They make such great companions and helpers to people. Some service dogs are prescribed as companions for people with anxiety or depression. Their jobs are just to be a friend.

In a world where so many people are so ungrateful, it's nice to know that dogs show gratitude for everything. They get so much excitement just from going for a car ride or a walk. They never seem to care what they're doing or where they're going so long as they're with the person they love.

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