My pet dog, Ginger, was one of my favorite things in the world and was a part of my life for 14 years. She made me smile every day and was always there when I needed her.

Whether people know it or not, dogs have both mental and physical benefits to people’s lives. If you are sad or angry, they will always be there to comfort you. They can make humans less depressed and anxious, as well as increase people’s exercise habits. An extra friend in someone’s presence definitely makes a huge difference.

Mentally, dogs have a large impact on humans. Anyone who has one would know that they are happier with a furry friend around. For starters, they make people feel less lonely and depressed. According to Maddie Santora, “My dog is just a nice companion to have with me all the time, she always keeps me company when I am home alone.” Also, dogs can help reduce anxiety because they live in the moment and do not care about what happened in the past. They help people gain self confidence if they are afraid to go out into the world. Having a companion builds trust and friendship through comfort and safety.

Having a dog can also reduce stress. Karen Walker, a psychology professor at the University of Buffalo, conducted a test to prove this. She made each person count backward by three’s from a four digit number and the results displayed that people were less stressed when their dog was in the room. Overall, dogs are very beneficial to people’s lives, especially psychologically.

Physically, dogs are always there, whether it’s during an important situation or not. If a person needs a shoulder to cry on and they do not have anyone around, they can always go to their pet. Dogs can make a person smile in ways humans never could, especially in a time of need. Not only do dogs provide company, but they also influence exercising. Santora said, “Physically [my dog] keeps me in shape when I play with her.” If people take their dogs on walks around the neighborhood and play with them in the backyard, it benefits the person just as much as the dog. In 2006, Canadian researchers at the University of Victoria conducted a study on dog owners versus non dog owners. The results showed dog owners were more likely to participate in mild to moderate physical activity. They walked an average of 300 minutes per week, while non-dog owners walked an average of 168 minutes per week. Dogs are great to have for staying in shape and petting if someone needs a furry shoulder to cry on.

People who have a dog know that these pets change their lives both physically and mentally. Spending time with them every day will not only make you happy, but the dog happy as well. I know I will always remember Ginger just like many other dog lovers will remember theirs. So, the next time you debate about getting a dog, just remember you will miss the opportunity to create an amazing bond with a great best friend that will benefit your life in every way.