13:1 man's best friend

They're always by your side; know when you're hurt; would do anything for you. 

Dogs are magnificent creatures. Not only are they loyal, but lovable, intelligent, and caring.  From my experiences as well as observing other dogs, I know they really are man's best friend. It's too bad not everyone sees them this way. 

Watching the documentary Babies, several very patient and tolerant dogs, as well as other animals, come into play. The babies climb on them, pull on them, and do all sorts of obnoxious things. But the dogs remain calm. There are then shots of the animals and babies lying together, implying that the dogs care for and protect the children. 

My neighbors with four boys, aged 2 to 6, have a very gentle dog as well. She is never harsh around the children and doesn't react when they run into her or mess with her. She seems to understand that the boys need to be cared for, though she loves playing fetch and getting the parents' attention to herself. 

My dog, too, is very gentle and tolerant, and always has been. He's a smaller breed, but still bug enough to not get crushed by us laying on him. We got him with my brother was two, and gas pretty much been a pillow ever since. He has never bitten anyone and tolerates nearly everything. He's not too keen of being picked up, but he'll even remain calm when we give him baths. He is an amazing family dog- low key but will play if you want, and very gentle, even with little ones. 

I saw a very touching story online from a veterinarian. The doctor said he received a call that a dog wasn't doing well, and the best option would be to put the dog down. The family wanted their six year old son to be there as well. So the doctor went to the family's house and calmly laid the dog to rest. Everyone suspected that the child did not understand what was going on. However, the child then spoke up with the message that the purpose of life is to learn to love one another and be happy, so dogs have shorter lives because they already do that. 

All of these stories compile my love of dogs and why I agree that they are man's, woman's, and child's best friends.