19 Reasons My Dog Is My Best Friend – Trust, Love, and Loyalty

Originally published in 2014.

It’s cliche I know, but my dog truly is my best friend. She’s my exercise partner, a great snuggle buddy, and she’s always happy to see me when I come home.

My Dog Is My Best Friend

Now let me make this clear; Laika isn’t perfect. She doesn’t like horses or small dogs, jumps up on kitchen counters (yeah, like a cat), howls in her sleep, and has some resource guarding issues. But I’m certainly not perfect either.

We’re both flawed, and both of us plenty of issues that we’re working on. But together we make a great pair. She’s teaching me to be more patient & have more empathy, and I’m teaching her that horses aren’t evil and that kitchen counters aren’t to be walked on.

Here’s Why I Consider My Dog My Best Friend

1. She loves naps as much as I do. As soon as I lie down on the couch she cuddles right up next to me, and she knows how to get her sleep on.

2. She doesn’t talk back. Sometimes when she gets on my nerves (like when I find her walking on the counters) I tell her that her mother was a rotten Chihuahua. She doesn’t argue. Sometimes I like to remind her that she doesn’t even know what zip code she’s in. She doesn’t argue.

3. She’s always up for an adventure. She doesn’t care about the what, when, where or how. She’s up for anything. It could be going for a hike, to the lake, or just out to pull some weeds. If I get up and put on my shoes on at 3am she’s ready and happy to go along.

4. She lets me watch what I want on TV. She doesn’t complain when I put on a Golden Girls marathon or watch Edward Scissorhands for the 78th time. On days where I’m feeling a little extra cranky I might even put on Dr. Pol, just so she knows if I really wanted to I could make him our vet.

5. She likes my “cooking.“  Whether it’s chopped carrots, frozen peanut butter, or adding just a touch of olive oil to her dinner she’s grateful.

6. She’s easy to buy for. I’ve yet to buy her a toy she doesn’t like, and she even loves playing with the boxes they come in. Now that doesn’t mean that those toys last long, but I’ve yet to give her something she doesn’t appreciate. (even if it’s just ripping it apart)

7. She thinks I’m a good masseuse. I have no formal training in giving massages, but that doesn’t matter to Laika. She gladly accepts any doggie massage I offer.

8. She doesn’t care if I look silly. She’ll go out in public with me not matter what I’m wearing, even when it’s my green hoodie with kitty faces all over it paired with a ripped pair of jeans and some nice poop bag accessories.

9. She gives the best greetings. Everyday, without fail, she’s happy to see me when I come home. Not just happy either – it’s full on wiggle butt excitement. I can’t tell you the last time a human greeted me so warmly.

10. She’s my alarm system. I don’t need to worry about anyone coming into our yard without her noticing. I’m also well aware anytime a leaf happens to land on the mailbox, there’s a ladybug on the ceiling, or when there’s a fly on the window. Not much goes unnoticed with her around.

11. She’s constantly there for me. If I had a bad day she’s there, and she’ll always be there when I need a shoulder to lean on.

12. She doesn’t judge me. She doesn’t care how much money I make or what my social status is. She doesn’t even know what zip code we’re in.

13. She’s fun. She’s always up for a game of tug, fetch, or find it. And when I’m feeling a little tired she’s happy to catch bubbles or play with the hose. And she’s always finding ways to make me smile, like when I get to work and find one of her toys in my pocket. (pockets are one of her favorite places to hide things)

14. She’s a great vacuum. I don’t ever have to worry about cleaning up the kitchen floor.

15. She’s the best at keeping secrets. I can tell her my anything without worrying she’ll spill the beans.

16. She makes me feel better when I’m sick. She’ll be my cuddle buddy when I’m under the weather. Occasionally I’ll wake up to a Kong in the face – but she’s good for the most part.

17. She helps me in the garden. She’s a better digger than I am, and I don’t even have to buy her gloves. Pulling weeds? She’s a pro. (though I do sort of regret teaching her that since a few blueberry bushes have had to be replanted)

18. She loves it when my friends come over. No matter what hour of the day she’s always up for company.

19. She keeps me motivated to stay in shape. I don’t think you can find a better exercise partner than a dog. They’re always up for it. And even on those days where I’m feeling lazy I do it because I know how much it means to her.

Is Your Dog Your Best Friend?

Have you ever had a friend more loyal than your dog? Do you consider your dog your best friend? Do you think the relationship would change if they could talk back?