Yep. I don't care how many human friends you've had or how long you've had them. I don't care what you and your human friends do or how often you do it. There's NOTHING like the friendship bond between a human and a dog.

After the puppy stages are complete and your dog begins to mature, you can relax and focus more on each others' needs. That's where the beauty of having a canine takes place. A dog knows what you need. A dog knows what emotions you're feeling without you saying a word. And, as you learn about dog behavior and specifically your dog's personality, you'll figure out what your dog is thinking as well. That's what having a friend is all about - you don't need words.

Your four-legged friend will be there for you in ways you won't immediately comprehend. They are keen at recognizing your energy. Bad day? You're dog will know what to do - leave you alone, bring you a toy, maybe even a tissue. Does being out on the walk make you happy? Your dog may give you a sign that's what you two should do.

Some dogs will bring you closer to nature. Dogs that require a lot of exercise will require YOU to provide that. You may take longer walks in your area. You may have to get in the car and go to a place away from home. You may find areas you didn't even know existed. Your dog is the only reason you would ever find out about them.

Some dogs bring you closer to people. Something every dog owner has in common is the bond they share with their dog. It's something that dog-less humans can't understand. The house-breaking, the teething, the boundless excited energy during the puppy years are trying times nearly all dog owners experience. As a result, we can help each other through the process and share our experiences. You never know who you may run into and create friendships with over your dogs.

A dog can do all of that for you. All the unconditional love and other intangible perks come at a simple price --- exercise, discipline, and affection. That's it. Exercise is equally important for a dog's and human's health, keeping the dog disciplined helps keep US routine and disciplined, and who doesn't want affection? Dogs really don't ask for anything else.

If you have a dog and s/he isn't your best friend, you're doing something wrong.