12 Reasons Dogs Are WAY Better Than Humans

Do I genuinely believe dogs can be better than humans? No question. Is this also me using an opportunity to share some of my (way too many) photos of my favorite dogs? Hell yeah.

1. They’ll always protect you.

A dog will be one of your fiercest protectors. Then again, their idea of protection sometimes includes barking at things like squirrels and plants. Or your grandparents.

Delilah the German Shepherd mix with her back to the camera, sitting and facing the front door as she waits for a family member to walk through the door.

2. Two words: DOG SNUGGLES

My dog isn’t really a snuggler, but my boyfriend’s dog is a big snuggly boy. Dogs can be the cuddliest creatures ever. Snuggling with a dog is so calming and will cue instant happy mode.

Me hugging Jazz, my boyfriend's 90-some pound Irish setter, as he sits with the front half of his body on my lap

3. Dogs don’t make you feel guilty for eating unhealthy food

They’ll just stare you down until you give them some.

Delilah the German Shepherd mix sitting in the kitchen next to my mom, doing a very intense stare in hopes she'll be given something from the table.

4. Dogs don’t judge you when you dance around the house

I’m 99% sure I’ve gotten some judgmental looks from my dog when I do this, but we’ll interpret those as “I’m a dog and don’t know what’s going on” rather than judgmental. However, she is certainly a queen of side-eye.

Delilah curled up in her favorite corner of the couch, giving me some serious side-eye

5. They’re always down for a good time

You give the slightest indication of something exciting, like a small gasp, and they get all hyped up. It’s freaking hilarious.

Delilah happily chilling in a field with her tongue out

6. Doggo reactions are the purest thing.

There’s something so innocent and sweet about watching a dog’s reaction to something. There’s nothing behind it but the simple emotional reaction, because their brains don’t work like ours do. This is how my dog looks when she’s about to get a treat or go outside: pure, wide-eyed excitement.

Delilah lying on the floor by an ottoman and looking up at me as if to say "Why are you not petting me?"

7. They give the best greetings

Getting kisses, dog hugs and fur the second you walk through the door? Even when you’ve only been gone for 5 minutes? Now that’s love. My dog is also a little goofball who likes to put one paw over your arm so you’ll stay there and pet her.

Delilah the German Shepherd mix sitting on her hind legs with her front two legs perched on someone's arm in her version of a hug

8. They can help you get in shape

Delilah running up the driveway with her tongue hanging out of her mouth

Did someone say walk???

9. Dogs can be so smart

My dog has figured out that the Keurig going on, me grabbing certain mugs from the cabinet, and the stirring of my sugar spoon all are signs she’s about to go outside.

Delilah standing in the foyer and looking at the to-go coffee cup in my hand, knowing it means she gets to go out front

10. Their curiosity is adorable

Delilah with her front paws perched on the back of the couch to look out the basement window

Okay, so sometimes this can get problematic. But ultimately, it’s cute. Dogs always want to know what’s going on and what something new is.

11. They fall asleep in the funniest places and/or positions

My boyfriend’s dog loves curling up in the bathroom. If he’s not out in the living room at night, he’s probably on the bathroom floor, belly up and dead to the world. And clearly, mine once almost fell asleep with a ball in her mouth!

Delilah the German Shepherd mix lying on the floor with a ball in her mouth, half asleep.

12. Dogs love you unconditionally

Delilah in her bed, half-asleep, resting her head against my hand

*Originally posted on Odyssey