Your dog is more than a cuddle buddy

Bentley, Marley, and Roxie after a fun hot day swimming in the gunpowder river.

Madison Izzo

Bentley, Marley, and Roxie after a fun hot day swimming in the gunpowder river.

Natalie Burger, Reporter

A dog is like a best friend.

— Lindsey Moneymaker (‘24)

said. “You should treat them with value and care.”
 

Many of us have experienced the joy of owning a dog. Their cute little paws and their puppy breath, with their tiny teeth and overwhelming cuteness. It’s exciting to have a dog, that we can all admit. They are nice to cuddle and play with, as well as it is nice to have a furry animal in your home. 

Under all this adorable puppy love, people fail to realize what it really means to own a dog. People do not consider all the time, expenses, and effort it takes to have a dog. The main thing dog owners do not consider is how important it is to walk your dog every day. 

“I have two dogs and I try to walk them as much as possible, they look forward to it and I love to see their tails wag out of joy” Madison Izzo (’23) said. 

According to The Animal Rescue Site, up to 40 percent of dog owners never or almost never walk their pets. That means that almost half of the dogs living in the U.S do not get the attention and outdoor time that they need. Walking your dog is important for a pet’s health, as well for their bliss.  

“A dog is like a best friend,” Lindsey Moneymaker (‘24) said. “You should treat them with value and care.” 

To own a dog is to give them a life they deserve. Understand the commitment it takes to own a dog before you decide to get one and that they are something that you must pay attention to. Most dogs are very affectionate and require a lot of love and attention to stay happy. And even if your dog is not an affectionate one, it is still important to give them walks for their health.  

Also, taking your dog outside means that you get fresh air and good exercise for yourself. It’s good for you to go outdoors every day. You will be healthier, and your dog will be happier as well. 

“My dog is getting older, and I want him to have lived his life to the fullest,” Mason Palmer (’25) said. “I constantly play with him and give him all the love in the world.” 

As we know, dogs are only here for a fleeting time, so let’s make the most out of it and give them a good life. The next time you’re on your phone doing nothing, consider getting up and taking your dog outside, even if it’s for 20 minutes, they will appreciate you.