Below is a list of FOUR benefits of having a dog but as any dog parent will tell you, there are MANY more.

A study looked at the ways having a DOG can positively impact your life:  Like giving you structure and routine with daily walks . . . companionship . . . the mood boost you get from interacting with them . . . and even the opportunity to meet new friends, with your dog as the icebreaker. 

1.  Structure and routine.  Like getting up in the morning to feed them, or going on walks that you might otherwise let slide if your dog wasn't depending on them.

2.  Companionship.  Having a dog by your side can ward off feelings of loneliness.  And some people even use their pets as sounding boards, or to spill secrets they don't trust anyone else with.

3.  Mood boost.  A lot of dog owners say they feel joy from interacting with their dog.  Some say they get happier just by LOOKING at their dog . . . it doesn't even have to be DOING anything.

4.  Connection.  Dogs can help you meet and connect with other humans too . . . like on your daily walks or at the dog park.  It's an easy icebreaker. 

Of course for me personally, my dog is MY LIFE! He was definitely brought to me for a purpose and I couldn't imagine my life without him!