Dogs

Our furry best friends

Author

Benji
October 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Hey, it’s Benji 👋 

They are people magnets and love to eat.

Can you guess what it is?

🥗

Starter

Our Best Friend ❤️

Since I was a child, I always dreamed of having one by my side.

They’re loyal, playful, and always excited for a treat.

Just having them around brings joy, calm, and a sense of home.

No judgment, just unconditional love. 💕 

Dogs aren’t just pets - they’re companions who have walked beside humans for thousands of years, helping us hunt, guard, and feel safe. 🦺 

And after spending five days caring for one, I noticed a shift in my life:

Waking up earlier, enjoying long walks, and feeling that simple comfort of a furry friend to cuddle with. 🌲 

But it also got me thinking:

How exactly do dogs impact our health and well-being?

And should we really have them by our side?

Let’s dive in. 👇

🥙

Main Course

The Furry Child 👶 

What are dogs?

Dogs - scientifically known as Canis lupus familiaris - are domesticated descendants of wolves. 🐺 

They’ve been loyal companions for thousands of years, evolving from fierce hunters to fluffy, snack-loving best friends.

But where did this friendship start?

It’s believed that around 15,000 years ago, some “friendly” wolves began hanging around human camps - scavenging leftovers and slowly getting used to people.

In return, humans found these animals helpful for protection, hunting, and warmth.

And just like that - one of the greatest friendships in history was born. ❤️

Why do we have them as domestic pets today?

Because they make life whole.

Dogs aren’t just animals we feed - they’re family. 👪️ 

They force us to go outside, remind us to live in the moment, make us laugh, and somehow always know when we’re sad.

And science agrees too:

People with dogs are happier, healthier, and live longer lives. 😊 

So what exactly do dogs do for us?

Having a dog has been shown to

  • boost your mood 😄 

  • increase physical activity 🏃‍♀️ 

  • help you connect with people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

  • reduce stress and anxiety 📉 

  • lower the risk of heart disease 💗 

  • improve cognitive and brain health 🧠 

  • reduce symptoms of loneliness and depression 😭 

  • make you feel safe 🦺 

  • bring joy and unconditional love into your life 💕 

👩‍🍳 Chef Tip: If you love dogs but aren’t ready to commit fully, try dog sitting.

You’ll get the joy (and the responsibility) of having a dog for as long as you want - plus, you’ll give a dog owner some well-deserved free time.

A win-win.

🍰

Dessert

🐶 6 Apps That Make Traveling with Your Dog 10x Easier

Let’s be honest:

Traveling with a dog isn’t always easy.

Finding pet-friendly places, keeping them calm, or getting help when they’re sick can quickly turn a dream trip into a headache. 🤯 

That’s why I decided to help out!

Here are 6 apps that make travelling with your furry best friend 10x easier. 👇️ 

Find dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, and even events - anywhere in the world. 🌏️ 

Think: Booking.com meets TripAdvisor… but for dogs.

Sometimes you just can’t bring your dog along.

Rover helps you find trusted local dog sitters and walkers - it’s basically Airbnb with hosts for dogs. 🐕

Perfect for when you need a guilt-free getaway. 🏝️ 

Ever thought, “Can my dog eat this?” right before sharing your snack? 🍎

iKibble tells you instantly whether a food is safe (or toxic) - plus how much to feed and why.

A legit life-saver during travels.

Find the best dog parks, beaches, and off-leash areas near you - wherever you are. 🦴

It even shows photos and reviews from other dog owners, so you’ll know what to expect before you go.

Does your dog gets anxious in hotel rooms or Airbnbs? 😬

DogTV streams calming, scientifically designed content to keep your pup relaxed while you’re out.

Emergency vet access, anywhere in the world.

With Pawp, you can call or chat with a licensed vet 24/7 - no waiting room needed. ⚡

Bonus: It covers up to $3,000 in emergency bills per year.

Bonus Tip: Create a Google Maps “My Dog Places.” 📍 

Save all your favorite dog-friendly findings (cafés, parks, vets, beaches, etc.) and share them with other travelers.

Dog owners will love you! ♥️ 

🥜

Snacks

Dad Joke of the Week

What do you call a wild dog that meditates?

Aware wolf!

A Deep Question

When do you feel your best and what’s different about those days?

A Friendly Reminder

❝

“Dogs are an example of unconditional love.”

Unknown

What should I try next?

I’ll go with whatever wins - your choice decides my next experiment 👇

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🎁

Takeaway  

You aren’t satisfied yet? 

Here are my Ingredients and Recommendations for you:

🎙️ Podcasts

📚️ Books

  • Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know (Alexandra Horowitz)

  • Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems (Cesar Millan)

  • The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer (Rodney Habib and Karen Shaw Becker)

📺️ Videos

  • How Dogs Sniff Out Seizures (Insider Science)

  • Nature’s supercomputer lives on your dog | Ed Yong (Big Think)

  • How do dogs "see" with their noses? - Alexandra Horowitz (TED-Ed)

  • Dogs & us - The secrets of an unbreakable friendship (DW Documentary)

  • A brief history of dogs (TED-Ed)

📑 Articles

Thank you for being here 💝 

Looking forward to serving you next week.

Much love,

Benji

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