Three Ways Dogs Are Better Than Humans
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 36% of households in the United States have at least one dog. Dogs have always been known as “man’s best friend,” and nobody really questions the idiom, it is always just associated with the canine’s loyalty. But if you think about why your dog is truly your best friend, you just might realize these things.
- Dogs can’t speak English, so we rely on symbols from them (as they do us) to communicate, and somehow, even with the language barrier, we have no problem understanding our furry friends and vice versa. A symbol (Denton, Jr., Woodward, 52) is a word, idea or thing that is associated with something else, such as when a dog wags its tail, we believe that is a symbol that the dog is happy. Similarly, when their owner cries, dogs use that as a symbol of sadness and they work to comfort their owner. For those who don’t like to express their feelings, this is especially important because it is a way to release those emotions and experience some much needed relief without saying anything at all. Bottling up feelings is unhealthy and even if your only way of expression is with your dog, it is still therapeutic.
- We can’t have conversations with our dogs, but they have a good idea what we’re saying through meanings they associate with the words we use. Meanings (Denton, Jr., Woodward, 52) are the connection between the symbol and its representation. Dogs associate almost everything you say to them with a positive connotation (usually with the exception of “bad girl/boy” and “no”). For example, the word “walk” always has a good meaning to a dog, but people could think the meaning is negative, “let’s take a walk” can mean you’re in trouble or it can mean let’s get some exercise. Looking at the bright side keeps your mind healthy; it makes you want to look forward and prosper. We need more positivity in our lives. We need more dogs.
- People stress people out and that’s not healthy for one’s heart. The stress of jobs, families and friends truly take a toll on your heart, but dogs do not. In fact, Harvard University noted that dogs can actually help keep you heart healthy! According to the article, your risk of cardiovascular disease can be decreased if you own a dog because they help to lower blood pressure. Ditch the people who stress you out in life and focus on your dog, which might just save your heart!
People don’t deal well with feelings and having a conversation about feelings is just torture. But to have a pet who knows what you’re feeling without you even saying it and how to comfort you, that’s special. Dogs don’t even know how to live a negative life; every day is the best day and every walk is the best walk. Their positivity helps their owner live a happier life.
There are so many dogs across the country that are looking for someone to love, especially those in your local SPCAs. Adopt a dog and change the path of their life, they will most certainly return the favor with their undying love and loyalty to you.
