Dogs are nature’s stress relievers. Have you ever been stressed while petting a dog? Didn’t think so. I don’t know what it is, but it just helps, especially if you can do it first thing in the morning. If you start your day slow by peeling out of bed and sticking your hand out so your dog can put his head under it so you can scratch it… the rest of the day will be awesome. They love it, you love it, it’s one of nature’s truest win-win situations. This is why they bring in puppies during finals week. The endorphins are just right.

Some dogs, though, are easier to win over than others. Some give up their love upon meeting them, immediately offering their belly for rubs. Some of them require you to earn their trust little by little and they’ll eventually let you scratch them behind the ears. Both are equally valid ways to be, just like people.