Re: Do Dogs Make Us Live Longer?

Hi everyone!

Recently I read an article an article called, “Do Dogs Make Us Live Longer?” and I wanted to implement my opinions of the article, as well as update you all on my dogs since I know I haven’t done a “fur” post in a long time (if you want to read it here’s the link: When I read the article, I was so relieved to find some true evidence that stated all the great things dogs can contribute to people’s lives. I know quite a few people who object to having a dog because whatever reason they don’t want the pet, perhaps a fear of puppy tendencies to chew, they may track in dirt, are too costly or some other reason. Or just to make a room look like this:

Yes, this would be pretty scary to wake up to. Sometimes puppies can causes messes, but just spending time with dogs will leave them tired and unable to wreck your property, or just adopt an older dog…

Other people don’t want a dog because they are afraid that they maybe too costly. Yes, a trip to the groomers can cost up to $25 or more, and dogs eat, which in turn costs money. However, these can be avoided because daily brushing by the owner and often baths may extinguish the need to go to the groomers. As well as with daily brushing or often bathing, will reduce the amount of hair or dirt tracked all over the house. Plus, there are plenty dog food recipes that can be found on the internet or pinterest.

I want to take this opportunity to tell you that the benefits of having a dog, absolutely outweigh the costs. According to the article, ownership of a dog can help maintain weight, reduce blood presure, improve cardiovascular fitness, can make fewer doctor visits a year and spend fewer nights in hospitals. Plus, when you decide to take a dog into the house you have just welcomed not just a new pet, but a new member to the family.

I mean come on! Who could say no to a cute face like that?! Dogs greatly improve standard of living as they become your ultimate companion in life. They are one of the few creatures in the world that will love you for you who you are, no matter if you are rich, poor, fat, skinny, socially handicapped, or normal. They will never cease to brighten your day as they slop up your tears and always put a smile on your face.


They will brighten your day everyday. That’s my dog Smokey did for me. When I was younger, I had a dog named Smokey, he was half beagle and half welsh corgi. My family and I adopted him from the shelter when he was 5 years old, and honestly that still remains one of the happiest days of my life. At first Smokey was shy, and he was kind of scared of this new world, for all that he had known beforehand was the wet and dreary pound life. But, he gradually opened up like a flower, ready to take on the world. He was playful, and kind and gentle. When I cried, he wouldn’t stop licking my tears until i began to smile. Whenever I would call out his name, he would run toward me so far and with a smile so big, that to me felt like just my presence made him the happiest dog in the world. Yet, he was the one who made me the happiest. He showed bravery and kindness. One time one of the neighbors German Shepard came over and looked like it was about to harm me, and I remember Smokey growling at him until he went away. He was my protector and my savior. But most importantly, Smokey taught me strength. In his last 3 years of living, he developed cancer. His fur turned wiry, he would hardly eat or drink and his face developed multiple disgusting tumors that would constantly bleed so that his face was always caked with blood. I remember one time being at my grandparent’s house with him, there were some family friend over, and the little kids would be scared of him. His appearance was so disgusting that the kids and there parents thought he was a stray dog. But he wasn’t, he was my dog. My beloved dog that I loved oh so very much. Due to some complications at the time, he was under my grandparent’s care, and I remember my mom pleading my grandfather to put him to sleep and take him out of his misery. My grandfather refused to do so because it was against his religious beliefs. Every single time I saw Smokey, I could not help but cry as I watched him slowly deteriorate before my very eyes. Whenever I would call his name, I would begin to cry as soon as I saw his terrible condition, but he would run toward me with the stupidest and cheekiest grin on his face, acting like nothing had ever happened, and that I was the best thing for him. He continued to run toward me, until he could run no more. Smokey died on a Tuesday.

As I wrote this, I couldn’t help but cry, because I will forever remember the special relationship we shared. Dogs are life partners, they will sleep with you, cuddle with you, eat with you, laugh with you, cry with you, and love you, even without ever needing a reason.

Many years later, I have acquired some new life partners their names are Roscoe and Finley. Roscoe is a very fluffy dog, who always makes me laugh because he chuffs at other dogs in the park or animals. While Finley is my trouble maker who is always full of energy and tries to bite his tail and never quite reach it.


Finley is sleeping here. I think he really wanted to cuddle with me, but I was busy at the moment so he found a bear to lay under. I think he wants to cuddle with me more because he’s realizing that I may need to leave soon to start a new chapter in my life.

Unfortunately, Roscoe is being uncooperative at the moment, and the pictures I have are pretty bad at the moment, but I will post one later.

I hope that this post inspired you to rethink your pet situation. If you don’t have a dog, I highly suggest you get one. There are many well deserving dogs at pounds or shelters who are desperate to meet you and eventually love you. I guarantee you that dog will become your best friend that you will want to do everything with. If you have a dog, hold him or her close and thank them, they are truly the most generous and loving creatures that deserve some sort of appreciation. Thanks for reading and I hope you and your canine companion now or to be, love and appreciate each other forever always.