5 Reasons I’m Thankful for My Dogs This Thanksgiving

Dog lovers can confirm that dogs bring a lot of joy and happiness to our lives. Having a dog and spending time with them is very rewarding.

Personally, I can think of dozens of reasons why I am thankful that I have two wonderful dogs in my life. Since today is Thanksgiving, I’m gonna let you guys in on my top five reasons why I am thankful for Caesar and Jeter.

1. They are my personal trainers

For so many years I struggled to set a workout routine that was fun and that I could stick to. Then, one day it clicked with me, “Why not do it with my best friends?” At this point, not only did I want myself to get into better shape, but I wanted my dogs to get in better shape too. Around this time Jeter was struggling with his weight. While Caesar had always been pretty good at maintaining his size, I wanted to prepare him for long hikes.

We started to walk. In just one year, Jeter lost 15 pounds, Caesar became visibly leaner, and I was walking miles upon miles a day. Before we started to go on daily walks, I could never have imagined walking 3-5 miles a day and having fun each and every time.

Now, it is easy for Cesar and I to go on 8-10 mile hikes. Caesar is super muscular (seriously, if you ever get a chance, give him a feel; he’s very buff), and Jeter has been able to maintain his weight each year, despite getting older. I can honestly say that without my dogs, I would probably fall back into a lazy routine of never moving. They motivate me to get out and about. Walking my dogs never feels like a chore. I even spent Thanksgiving morning taking a hike with Caesar!

2. They have improved my mental health

When I am upset, having a bad day, or need someone to talk to, I can always count on Caesar and Jeter to listen and love me despite my flaws.

Dogs love you unconditionally, and that’s very comforting to know. The whole reason I brought Caesar home 8.5 years ago was because I was depressed and lonely. I needed something that needed me and he certainly fulfilled that inside of me. I still have struggle some days, but turning to my dogs for support certainly makes me feel better.

There is nothing better for me when I’m feeling sad than to cuddle up with Jeter under a heated blanket or to go on a walk with Caesar. And because I take Caesar on hikes in the woods, I’ve become more connected with nature, thus allowing me time to think and clear my mind. That is certainly good for my mental health.

3. They teach me compassion, kindness, empathy, patience, and other positive traits

Jeter and Caesar help me be a better person. I have always been passionate about helping dogs and animals in need. I’ve strived to be their voice and show them kindness. But Caesar and Jeter have helped me work to be kinder to people and strive to stand up for human rights too.

Dogs, especially when they are young, will teach you a lot of patience. The more you come to love them and strive to understand them, the more empathy and responsibility you learn. When one of my dogs would act up, I would ask myself, “What is making him act this way?” and “What can I do to improve the situation?”

When Caesar was getting in the trash at night, I wondered how I could be more responsible to make sure my dog doesn’t and can’t continue this habit. I’ll tell you, taking him on a walk fixed every bad habit Caesar ever had. He is as close to perfect as I could hope for him to be.

Jeter teaches me patience and kindness daily. He can be very needy and I realize I need to show him a lot of love and attention for him to be happy.

I strive to never yell at either of my dogs and to always understand why they may be acting the way they are. I’m admittedly not as calm and understanding with humans, but I am trying, and my dogs are showing me how.

4. With my dogs, I always have an adventure buddy

One of my favorite things about all dogs is that they are always up for anything. With a dog, you really never have to do anything alone again.

Aside from my dad, I don’t know anyone that loves hiking like I do. But instead of going on vacations and hiking trips alone, I’ve been able to take Caesar. I never feel alone with him.

Since we began hiking, Caesar and I have made trips to Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and countless county and city parks around Ohio and Indiana. Majority of these trips have been just the two of us.

I will admit, these trips would not be as fun for me totally alone. But with Caesar, I have someone to talk to, someone who can share in the fun, and someone who has my back in case of an emergency. Hiking alone can be dangerous for a young woman, but I always feel safe with a good German Shepherd by my side.

Even when it comes to trips into town or an ice cream run, I can count of Jeter to always be up to get a pup-cone and go on a car ride with me.

I think dog’s brains only know the word “yes” when you ask, “Do you wanna go?”

5. They help me become more social and aware of my community

When you take your dog with you, people are nicer to you – at least from my observations. Strangers feel more comfortable stopping to speak with you and they are always friendly. People are constantly smiling at both of us and saying hi. My dogs have made me feel more connected with people and my community.

Caesar and I often walk around Van Wert. During our walks, I’ve come to learn a lot about our town. I love to look at houses and wave at those I see. Sometimes people will stop and talk to us.

Because of walking with Caesar, I’ve also become closer to my dad. He and his dog, Lion-O, frequently walk with Caesar and I. It creates a great moment for us to talk about anything and everything that is going on all while doing something we love – walking our dogs.

But not only do dogs help you talk to others, they themselves give you someone to talk to. Dogs are excellent secret keepers and really great listeners. They always listen without interrupting. You just don’t get that from most people.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that in this moment I have two senior dogs who, for the most part, are very healthy. I’m grateful that I have them and that they have me. I’m happy that, through them, I have found happiness, purpose, and passion in life. I love Caesar and Jeter and am thankful for each moment I get to spend with them. I hope your dogs bring you happiness and make you thankful too. Happy Thanksgiving!