Man's Best Friend.

Nov 24

Not quite sure if it's just me not getting the memo, but many people near to me have been getting new pets this year. Is 2016 the year of the pets? Not so sure. Out of all the pet types out there, according to the American Pet Products Association dogs are already in approximately 37% - 47% of US households. I have no room to disagree, man's best friend is one of the favorites. Say hi to Odie!

"The companionship of a dog can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self confidence." - HelpGuide.org

Before you get too excited for me, unfortunately, no, he's not mine. Look at that face, if only right? I had the opportunity to do a photoshoot of a good friend of mine's adorable little Pacific Bulldog named Odie and as you can see, even if I wanted to, who could or would say no to spending some time with this little guy?

I've always desired a puppy growing up. The only pets I've had are the ones that can't even embrace or pet. I mean, I guess technically you could. But how many friends would question your sanity if you reached into your aquarium to pet a fish? You just don't do that. I even avoid tapping on the tank glass. Have you seen Finding Nemo?

I make sure to show dogs how adorable and loved they are whenever I can. I never fail to spoil and shower them with love and affection when given the opportunity. The amount of unconditional love a dog shares to you and others? The level of loyalty they have? There's simply no price on having a loyal, loving and affectionate companion that can only be experienced through having a dog (sorry Cat enthusiasts).

What I admire most about these splendidly affectionate creatures is how they quite literally tend to live in the moment. They don't focus on what happened yesterday or what may happen tomorrow. They have the uncanny ability to make you more mindful and aware of the many simple joys of the present. It's no wonder University campuses all over the country gravitate towards having these friendly tail-waggers present during finals week. Universities like Yale Law, Princeton, UConn and Millersville University to name a few, coordinate and have successful dog therapy sessions available for students to come and relax while being accompanied by some stress relieving, lovable dogs. They know the amount of comfort and relief that resonates from interacting with them and seeing their love reciprocated by their excited movements, the wagging of their tail or even moving their leg in bliss when you find the perfect rubbing spot. (You can't rub a cats belly without being scratched. Or at least I haven't managed it successfully.)

It's amazing how a minute with a dog can so easily tug on your heart strings, it's no wonder again why they are given the name man's best friend. And I don't know about you.. but I've yet to hear about school's designating a box of kitten's during finals week.. just saying. (Am I being bias? Alright, so I decided to search up cat therapy and there is apparently a cat among several dogs at the University of Illinois named Wyatt. Shout out to Wyatt.)