The holidays are here and, like every day, it is good to reflect on what we are grateful for.

Dog-friendly vacations are absolutely at the top of our list, because they are our friends, teachers, and family members in one furry bundle of love. They possess the ability to improve our lives in ways that no one else can.

The last twelve months may have had more than its share of hardships and triumphs, but our dogs were there through it all.

As we look forward to a new year filled with opportunity and change, we also want to remind ourselves why our canine friends are awesome!

We lucky dog ​​parents have a lot to be thankful for…

This is some of what they have done to brighten our lives, through thick and thin.

1. A great affordable psychiatrist for every day of your life.

For the days when you go home and need to blow off some steam from your frustrating work and love life that won’t happen, your dog will sit patiently by your side and willingly listen to your problems while licking away his tears.

2. They will keep you healthy, both physically and emotionally.

They will motivate you to go the distance and run that extra mile, no matter how exhausted you are. They will also make you laugh and enjoy everything much more, which will totally increase your self-esteem and your general outlook on life.

3. They bring you out of your shell.

When you’re out with your pup, you’re bound to run into strangers cooing over your furry companion. You may be the most introverted and antisocial person in the world, but your adorable dog, and your admiration for him, can help you come out of your shell and give you a chance to practice your conversation skills. What if there are no worthy people around? They will help you connect with the world around you.

4. They remind us to enjoy the simple things.

In all their exuberance, they will jump over piles of leaves with glee and chase their own tails endlessly. Doing all of this with a goofy grin is what makes dogs so unique. We need to let loose sometimes and bring out our inner pup too!

5. They show us the true meaning of unconditional love.

Whether you forgot to pick her up from doggy daycare or lost your temper, they’ll look at you with those big brown eyes and forgive you right away. It is a gift that dogs are able to forgive and forget with a wag of the tail.

6. They are the best bodyguards.

From start to finish, you have a bodyguard for life. His safety and happiness is your pup’s top priority, so it’s an amazing feeling to know someone’s always got your back.

7. They are always up for an adventure.

Even if you were to take off at this very moment, your pup would not hesitate to join you. No need to complain or get distracted by “what ifs”. After all, destiny and purpose are really a distant thought while you’re there!

8. They don’t care if you sing off key.

Your friends always tell you to shut up and the thought of karaoke makes your palms sweat. But fear not, because your dog will never criticize you like you were on American Idol. Better yet, they will howl and perform a duet with you.

9. They are the most effective alarm clocks.

Forget the annoying alarms you’ve set on your phone and trust your cute dog to drool in your face at dawn. Nothing like morning kisses to get you on your feet!

10. You can never be mad at them.

Seriously, what kind of magical power do dogs have that can remove any negativity with one sincere look from those eyes? It is almost useless to be upset about anything they do.

11. You don’t need to impress them.

It doesn’t matter what job you have, what car you drive, or how much you make in a year. Bad hair days don’t exist for them. They could care less about your makeup or your outfit. They don’t mind a little extra padding on their body, nor do they mind bony, skinny places. All your dog wants is your time, love and presence!

12. They are a good sport.

Wearing ridiculous festive outfits? Check. Try never-before-tried homemade dog biscuits? Check. Let you post silly photos of them on Instagram? Check.

13. You are the best thing that ever happened to them.

And they will show it too. Through all the hugs, kisses and excitement, you will always be sure that there is nothing better for your dog than you.

14. They love you. Just the way you are.

No explanation needed, no questions asked; you are enough for that dog and don’t forget it!

Ready to learn how to talk to animals yourself?

Check out all my courses on Learnhowtotalktoanimals.com – see link in bio below.

Take a look and choose what appeals to you the most. If you are a newbie, I recommend that you start with the Beginner’s Basics Course.

The Advanced Animal Conversation Mastery Course is amazing and includes many of my favorite and most powerful healing techniques along with many specific topics that every student of Animal Conversation needs to know how to handle successfully.