The other day was a particularly stressful morning. So I decided to go for a walk. Despite trying to clear my mind and just enjoy the walk, I kept obsessing over the things I had to get done the rest of the day. It was turning into an angry march, rather than a rejuvenating stroll. Suddenly, a fluffy, brown Labrador Retriever came jaunting up to me. I swear it looked like he was smiling right at me. Immediately, my energy changed. Here was this happy-go-lucky little guy who just wanted a pet from a stranger. Dogs have this incredible magic about them. They have the ability to make us happier beings. How? Well they’re actually undercover agents on a covert mission to make the “hoomans” happier.

Don’t believe me?

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT 4 WAYS DOGS ARE ACTUALLY MIND CONTROL NINJAS AND WHY HAVING THEM IN YOUR LIFE COULD BE BENEFICIAL.

ARE YOU WALKING THE DOG OR IS THE DOG WALKING YOU?

Whether you live in a house with a big yard or an apartment with no yard, your dog is going to need to go for a walk outside her normal territory. She needs both the exercise as well as the change of scenery. Every time you take the dog for a walk, you’re getting that much needed boost of energy too! Having a dog in your life is going to make you a more active person. More active = healthier = happier. So now, I wonder, is it really you that is taking the dog on walks, or is it the dog that is taking you on walks…?

THE DOG IS THE MR. MIYAGI TO YOUR KARATE KID

Like Mr. Miyagi, dogs teach you how to balance your life, check in on your emotions, and let go of the things you can’t control. When you look after a dog, you learn how to care for something other than yourself. Much like raising a child or looking after a family member, dogs have their ups and downs. Sometimes they tear up your favorite shoes or track in mud all over the floor. Your ability to deal with the frustrations that come with raising a dog are tools you can carry on to other parts of your life that cause stress or anxiety. Training a dog also teaches you to be proud of the things you can accomplish, especially when faced with a challenge. Dogs will teach you the patience and kindness that your Karate Kid heart needs a little bit more of whenever things get tough.

SOMEHOW THE DOG ALWAYS GETS AN EXTRA TREAT…

The bonds people develop with dogs is incredibly special. There’s just something about dogs that most people can’t resist…Like a cute kid that you let sneak in another candy before mom sees, dogs have this unfair advantage over us. Studies have shown that people are more trusting of dog owners. How often do you see people stop and interact with another person because they have a dog? Dogs literally bring us together. In this way, dogs actually help us improve our relationships with other people.

DOGS DON’T LET YOU GO TO THE BATHROOM ALONE

Dogs are like loyal, loving magnets. Wherever you go, they go. They shower you with love and attention. When you walk in the door and your dog jumps around excitedly for a pet, you feel that unconditional love. You’re less likely to feel lonely with your four-legged friend hanging around. And, yes, sometimes that means that you have to deal with him scratching at the bathroom door while you try to pee in peace!

When quarantine hit, adoptions at dog shelters skyrocketed. If you try to call a shelter these days, you might find that they are all out of dogs. This is great news for the shelters, but a bummer for those of you who might finally have the time to adopt a dog. But, fear not, even if you can’t get your own dogs, I bet you know someone who has one. Reach out to them, and ask them if you can take their dog for a walk now and then. Get some puppy therapy while stretching your legs AND giving the dog’s owner a break from dog duties. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!

If that’s still not an option, how about watching some cute dog content on social media? You can start here with content from the hilarious Tucker Budzyn. Hopefully you’ll feel your mood lifted by some of these adorable and hilarious videos. 

P.S. If you have a dog or a favorite pup you follow on social media, send me photos or links! I want to see the canines that bring us joy!