Are dogs really man’s best friend?

By Maxwell Oyekunle

Yes, dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend” because of their loyal and affectionate nature.

Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have developed a strong bond with humans.

They are known for their unconditional love, loyalty, and their ability to provide comfort and companionship to their owners.

Dogs are also highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them ideal for a wide range of roles, such as assistance dogs, working dogs, and even therapy dogs.

They have a keen sense of smell, hearing, and sight, which makes them excellent watchdogs and protectors.

Overall, dogs have proven themselves to be reliable and dependable companions to humans throughout history, and their reputation as man’s best friend is well deserved.

Lovable Attributes of Dogs

Dogs have many lovable attributes that make them popular pets and cherished members of the family. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Loyalty: Dogs are famously loyal to their owners. They form strong bonds with their humans and are always there to offer love and support.

Affectionate: Dogs are known for their affectionate nature. They love to cuddle, give kisses, and show their owners how much they care.

Playfulness: Dogs have a natural playfulness that can bring joy and laughter to any household. They love to play fetch, chase toys, and even engage in silly antics.

A dog showing off its flexibility

Protectiveness: Many dog breeds are protective of their families and will do anything to keep them safe. This makes them great watchdogs and protectors.

Intelligence: Dogs are intelligent animals that can learn a wide variety of tricks and commands. They are capable of performing complex tasks and are often trained for jobs such as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and police dogs.

Empathy: Dogs have been shown to have a keen sense of empathy and can sense when their owners are upset or in distress. They will often offer comfort and support during these times. There are even cases of dogs imitating their owners’ injuries in empathy.

Overall, dogs are incredibly lovable creatures that offer companionship, affection, and loyalty to their owners. It’s no wonder they are often referred to as “man’s best friend.”

Notable Dog and Man Friendship Stories

There are countless stories of dogs and their humans forming unbreakable bonds.

Here are a few notable examples:

Hachiko: Hachiko was an Akita who lived in Japan in the early 20th century. Every day, Hachiko would walk to the train station to meet his owner, a professor who taught at a nearby university. Even after his owner passed away, Hachiko continued to go to the train station every day for the next nine years, waiting for his owner to return.

***A shot of Hachiko waiting for his owner***

Balto: Balto was a Siberian Husky who led a team of sled dogs in 1925 on a mission to deliver medicine to a remote town in Alaska that was suffering from a diphtheria epidemic. Balto and his team braved a treacherous blizzard and completed the mission, saving countless lives.

***Balto’s Statue in New York City’s Central Park***

Sergeant Stubby: Sergeant Stubby was a stray dog who became a mascot for a group of American soldiers during World War I. He accompanied the soldiers to the front lines and helped them detect enemy gas attacks and locate wounded soldiers. He even captured a German spy and was promoted to sergeant for his service.

Gen. John Pershing awards Sergeant Stubby with a medal from the Humane Education Society at a White House ceremony, 1921

Buddy: Buddy was a Golden Retriever who became famous for his unwavering loyalty to his owner, a man named Bob. When Bob passed away in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001, Buddy waited for him to return for months, even though he never did.

Hooch: Hooch was a French Mastiff who was rescued from an abusive home and taken in by a police officer named Scott. Hooch went on to become a successful police dog and helped solve numerous cases. He also formed a strong bond with Scott and his family, and is remembered as a gentle giant who loved his humans deeply.