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Are you thinking about bringing a new animal into your family? Consider getting a dog! They are incredibly cute and loving creatures who are always excited to see you and never fail to make you smile, which can be especially beneficial for children who may struggle with socialization or anxiety.

Furthermore, getting a pup can also help to promote an active lifestyle. Taking your dog for daily walks or runs can improve your own health and provide a fun way for your family to bond and spend time together.

In addition, owning a dog can teach kids important life skills such as responsibility, empathy, and patience. By caring for their pet, children can learn the importance of feeding, grooming, and providing affection for another living being.

But if you or anyone else in your household need more convincing, let's take a look at the Twitter account 'Why you should have a dog.' It regularly shares adorable and funny canine pictures which should make the decision much easier.

More info: Twitter

There's a reason why you're saying "Awwww" just by looking at these pictures. Spending time with canine companions actually does wonders for your well-being. Recent research shows that owning a dog is good for you both physically and emotionally.

They can be there for you even when people can't. Who wouldn't mind some additional love, emotional support, and cuddles? These things are one of the best cures for isolation.

So it shouldn't be a surprise that an Australian study discovered that dog ownership reduces loneliness.

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Mark Howell
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11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"What’s Montague? It is nor hand nor foot, Nor arm nor face nor any other part Belonging to a man. Oh, be some other name! What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet."

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Owning a dog can also help you live longer. A comprehensive review of studies published between 1950 and 2019 found that dog owners had a lower risk of death. Data suggests that dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and improved responses to stress.

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Even just living with a dog makes a difference—people who had experienced previous coronary events had an even higher level of risk reduction for death. Research has concluded that the bond between humans and dogs reduces stress, which is a major contributor to cardiovascular problems.

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Libstak
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11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats, thats, cant talk vocal cords and everything else is melting...

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In fact, multiple studies show that dogs and therapy dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Even the simple act of petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, slows breathing, and relaxes muscle tension. Scientists at Washington State University discovered that just 10 minutes of petting a dog can have a significant impact (the participants in their study had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone).

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Dogs can help us recover from a major crisis. Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine discovered that military veterans with PTSD do better both physiologically and psychologically when they have a service dog.

Veterans with a service dog had significantly fewer symptoms of PTSD and their coping skills improved.

As we mentioned while introducing this wholesome Twitter account, dogs encourage us to move. Those walks really do add up. A 2019 British study found that dog owners are nearly four times more likely than non-dog owners to meet daily physical activity guidelines.

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Dog owners spend nearly 300 minutes every week walking with their pets. That’s 200 more minutes of walking than people without a pup of their own!

They can even help you land a date! In a series of studies, men were more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them.

In another study, researchers asked people to rate individuals in photographs and found that respondents who appeared with a dog looked happier and more relaxed.

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Take me to dinner first
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11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey hoomaaaan, remember when I asked to come with you and you said yes? No? Haha funny one hooman

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The bottom line is, canines make us more social. Research shows that about 40 percent of dog owners had an easier time making friends. Dogs are the perfect way to get to know strangers and form new friendships.

study at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University concluded that people who have a strong attachment to a pet feel more connected in their human relationships and their communities.

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STress
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11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beware of blood-thirsty beagle!!! Four years and counting, I still miss mine...

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A 2009 study in Japan found that staring into your dog’s eyes raises your level of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Besides the general health benefits of owning a dog, they are natural mood boosters.

So, coupled with the images, I hope you now have all the arguments that you need to get a dog. Believe me, I can vouch for each of them. I've had four pups of my own.

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Rebelliousslug
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11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one, this is the one that’s just too much. I cannot stand the cuteness, it’s overwhelming

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Cat Chat
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11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No.... this is how my niece broke our current dog's leg just 3 days after we got her as a puppy. She put her in the swing and she was still small enough to fall through the leg holes. Being a growing puppy, she had to have a new cast every week for 6 weeks. She was a trooper through it all, though.

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Note: this post originally had 62 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.