National Dog Week: Top 5 Things We Love About Dogs

Dogs enrich our lives in so many ways, from giving us unconditional love to keeping us entertained with their goofy behavior. Whether you cherish the quiet snuggles or the belly-laugh moments, there are countless reasons we can’t imagine life without them. Here are the Top 5 Things We Love About Dogs in honor of National Dog Week, celebrated from September 21st to 27th this year. These are in no particular order because how could we possibly choose?!

1) Dogs are Living, Breathing Vacuums

If you’ve ever dropped a piece of food in the kitchen, you know the lightning-fast reflexes of a dog on crumb patrol. Many pet parents joke that their four-legged friends double as “living vacuum cleaners,” happily nosing up spilled bits before they even reach the floor.

While it’s important to keep the menu limited to dog-safe foods in small quantities, there’s no denying that dogs make food prep a little less stressful. And, they make cleanup after family dinners a breeze. Toddler parents know this better than anyone!

2) Dogs are the Best Snugglers

Few things compare to curling up on the couch with your dog after a long day. Their warmth, steady breathing, and gentle weight offer a comfort you can’t easily replicate. Dogs are naturally attuned to human emotions, and many will climb into your lap or nestle close when they sense you need reassurance. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a tough afternoon, their snuggles provide grounding and soothing companionship.

3) Dogs Keep Us Healthy and Active

Dogs don’t just bring emotional support; they also physically improve our lives by keeping us moving. Daily walks, trips to the park, or even backyard play sessions provide consistent exercise that benefits both dogs and their people. Studies show that dog owners are more likely to meet their recommended daily activity levels compared to those without pets. Beyond exercise, caring for a dog encourages routine, outdoor time, and even social interaction with other pet owners, helping us maintain healthier lifestyles overall.

According to this article by the American Heart Association, dogs may even help humans live longer!

4) Dogs Make Us Laugh with Their Silly Antics

From zoomies down the hallway to dramatic head tilts when they hear a strange sound, dogs are naturally hilarious. They’re masters of physical comedy, whether it’s slipping on the hardwood while chasing a ball or play-bowing at their own reflection. These silly antics not only crack us up but also bring levity to our everyday routines. In stressful times, laughter can be the best medicine, and our pups constantly dish it out in their own goofy ways.

5) Dogs Love Us Unconditionally

Okay, fine, maybe there is one top reason...

To me, the most extraordinary thing about dogs is how deeply and freely they love. They don’t care how messy our hair is, how successful we are, or how difficult the day has been. Each time we walk through the door, they greet us with pure joy, wagging tails, and bright eyes that say, “You’re my favorite person in the world.” Their devotion is steady and unwavering, a constant reminder that we are accepted exactly as we are. What could be better?!

Top 5 Things We Love About Dogs

Dogs clean our kitchen floors, warm our hearts, push us to exercise, keep us laughing, and remind us what true love feels like. These five qualities, along with countless others, are why life feels fuller, brighter, and more joyful with a dog by our side.

This week, as we celebrate National Dog Week, I invite you to consider all the things you love about dogs and all the ways your dog(s) enhance your life. It's the least we can do for these amazing, beautiful, sensitive creatures with sharp teeth and gentle hearts!

The Best Care for the Best Dogs in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News & Hampton, VA

Hearts at Home Pet Sitting has been providing trusted, professional dog walking, dog sitting, and cat sitting in the Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia areas since 2012. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here.

Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.

Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.