Until I got a dog, I don’t think I actually knew the true meaning of unconditional Love. This pure, utter selflessness I developed for something, and understanding what that meant to me. All I knew is that I would give my entire life for this dog. Granted, at the time I was in a miserable relationship – I was unhappy, and I wanted change. It was only then when this dog entered my world that I realized – you don’t need a man in your life.

I was convinced from that moment my unhappy relationship was far from Love at all. I realized I would be 10-folds happier without him, and shortly after, life just consisted of me and my pup.

Boy, was I more than right.

In time, my life was back on it’s track – all with the love and devotion from my dog by my side. I didn’t need just any man anymore.

As I write that, my [now] husband is probably raising his eyebrows and thinking, “Have I come second to a dog?” I have probably become one of those crazy “dog moms“, I will admit. I would shout on top of the highest mountain how much I love my furry child. Granted, I’d do the same for my husband, but this dog has literally taken hold of most of my heart – being that he was there during some of the most difficult moments of my life.

And just like they say, “Your personal health reflects onto your pet’s health.” And I surely believe it – he is 6 years old now, has come a long way, and is enduring the effects of my life’s stress, worries, heartache, and struggles. But it’s so easy for me to say that in times when I thought I wanted a man, I really just needed a dog. And so it prompted me to write about the signs you actually need a dog in your life more than a man.

14 signs you don’t

need a man in your life

[get a dog, instead!]

You just want someone to come home to

After that long day at work – someone who is just dying to see you and make the little bit left of your day all worth it. The simplest form of companionship at it’s finest – you just simply want there to be another presence other than yourself in that empty, lonely apartment.

You’re itching for genuine unconditional Love

Because, who isn’t? With a dog, you’re basically signing away for that guarantee of unconditional Love. And even though they can’t say how they feel, or do many things to show you their love for you – it shows. And quite honestly, that’s more than enough to know what unconditional Love is.

So, you gain a few – no matter, you’ll still be #1 in his life

So eat that bag of Doritos, or the entire sleeve of Oreos. By any means, your dog will even join you. The difference is they will neither condone or discourage you – that’s the beauty of it. You’ll always be perfect in his eyes, lovely.

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You need a good listener – a better-than-your-girlfriends listener

And that’s hard to beat, am-I-right? The best part is – they’ll let you vent, trash talk, cry, scream and yell all you want, without a slice of judgement on the receiving end. Granted, they won’t really have the best advice to give, but they’ll probably always act on the best advice in life: “Who really cares? Want a cookie?”

Someone who simply understands you – at your best and your worst

Whether you’ve lost your job, forgot to feed them breakfast that day, or having ignored them for days to power through a presentation. They get you. They’ll forget that you even allowed a second to go by where they weren’t the first on your mind. Because time doesn’t matter – they’re thrilled to simply have those moments with you.

You can talk, and talk, and talk – they will never get tired of hearing your voice

And what can possibly be any better? A bonus: they will never argue you, and they will never interrupt you. Maybe only to bring you a toy, or to go chew on a bone – but hey, they can multi-task! Plus, it’s their way of letting you know that they’re so intrigued in what you have to say – win, win!

You just want to be able to wear sweats and no makeup – don’t worry, they’ll never judge you

Ever – never, ever! So skip a shower, girl – who’s smelling you (other than the dog, and believe me, he has smelt far worse)? Wear those yoga pants for the 3rd time that week, and don’t worry about the bra. Hell, lounge around in your undies! I promise, they won’t make it weird if you don’t.

Having someone who is always happy to see you – even if you just left to use the bathroom

A simple high pitched, “Who’s a GOOD boy?!” will do the trick – tail wagging and all. Or if you walked out to get the mail – you would have thought you’d left them forever from their over-excitement of you walking through that door. They’ll never be bored or tired of your presence. And honestly, that kind of love is hard to come by!

[Related Read: 7 Reasons Why Women With Self Worth Have Successful Relationships]

Someone to comfort you in the bathroom, for that matter – because who needs privacy when you got true Love?

I mean, really, who is more than willing to share their love for you in a time of ultimate weakness? They just simply want you to know you don’t have to hide or be embarrassed by some of life’s natural functions – and who understands that better than a dog, right? Because, true love has no conditions, no limitations and absolutely no faults!

Snuggle up together, then shoo them away when you’re done – yet they won’t hold it against you

On the couch watching a movie, or in bed before falling asleep. And the moment you get hot, or annoyed from strands of dog hair in your face – you can easily shrug them away. They’ll understand, and simply wait patiently for the next time you want a snuggling randevú.

They’ll do anything just to make you happy – they’re purpose in life is to please you

And by do – well, not much. While they can’t bring you flowers – they might bring you a stick, or a dead squirrel. And while they can’t kiss you – they will for sure lick you, and play with you. And if they are the laziest dog on the planet – their undeniable trust in you means everything.

But let’s just say they will try really hard not to displease you. Loyalty, devotion, trust and simply being is their only way of showing you how much they care – and aren’t those the main aspects we’re after in a life partner?

To them, you’re always right – pizza and ice cream three days in a row is always acceptable

So go ahead – make those justified decisions, without justification. Your dog surely won’t be upset by it. Whatever it is you want, you do, you say – they will stick behind you, always, because you are their number one fan. Sometimes you may even wonder if they can read your mind, and you read theirs. 

You want someone who’s loyal – they’ll never lie, cheat, steal or desert you

How nice is that? To never have to wonder, doubt or live each day in skepticism. Ok – just kidding – they might try to steal the food off your plate. But can you blame them?

You can walk about freely each day knowing someone absolutely, undoubtedly, and unconditionally adores and loves you. That their life depends on you – they need you, and want you – every second of every day. No more, no less.

You’re looking for that “forever and ever” kind of Love – well, til death do you part

Because this kind of companionship is forever. And the definition of true Love is in a dog.

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