Many people don’t believe that a dog can be a person’s best friend. How is it even possible, they say. The dogs can’t understand ‘human emotions’, the dogs can’t give you advice…

That’s right, I would say. The dog can’t understand ‘human emotions’ and many other ‘human behaviours’: envy, anger, hate, jealousy, desire to put themselves higher than other people, seem to be better than they are, intentionally hurt others, make others feel miserable and bad….the list never stops…

Many times I felt that my dog understands my emotions better than anyone walking on two legs. Dogs have the biggest empathy for humans and know exactly when we are upset or disturbed. 

The dog can’t give you advice. But do you really need any advice? Really, really? We all get annoyed getting unsolicited advice from some annoying person. How often do we really need a verbal advice? The best advice I have got from a person I asked for advice from was ‘sleep on it’, don’t rush with words, actions, decisions, get distracted, let it rest, do something else. It always works well and gives you a better perspective on your problem. Is the dog capable to help with this? You bet! The dog is the best way to get your head free of trouble. Just take your dog for a walk or throw a ball at your backyard for half an hour. Or just pat your dog for 15 minutes. You’ll see how much better you will feel after that. I used to call Dorgy ‘our psychologist’. Five minutes with him really helped to unwind and recharge emotionally. Simple distraction from an issue and enjoyment of simple things always worked miracle for me. 

Of course, I do have ‘human’ friends and best friends. But they don’t love me unconditionally like my dog did. And they shouldn’t. It’s not about that. We still need to have other people in our lives. I am not saying to drop all your ‘human’ friends and get a dog. 

I believe that dogs were created to be our greatest companions whose love we need to earn. They are ready to give it straight away, but we need to remember that this ‘fast’ love and devotion cost very much. The connection is so deep that losing it we get a massive scar on our heart and soul that will never heal. 

They say, grief transforms you. So does life. Especially life with a dog. And time with a dog who gives you all that love and affection without asking anything in return is a privilege. A privilege of having that one, ‘best’ friend.