CAYLA MUTCHNICK

I’ve always wanted a best friend to love. One that I can cry on my saddest days and laugh with on my good ones. A best friend who truly gets me. What I didn’t realize is that I would find this, not through a person, but through a four-legged pup. 

Apr. 26, 2014, changed my life. It was the day I brought home my dog, Ginger. I wish I could say I was obsessed with her from the start. Yet, I had a massive fear of dogs. My family thought that getting a dog would help me get over my fear. 

Puppy Ginger was truly a ball of energy, with the sweetest soul and the most lovable bark. Still, I was terrified of her. However, that didn’t stop her from winning me over. 

She was so patient with me. She sensed I was afraid and treated me with such delicate affection that would cause anyone to become a dog lover. 

After a few months, I became comfortable with her. Eventually, I became comfortable with other dogs, too. 

Not only did I become comfortable around Ginger, but my family and friends love to say I became “obsessed” with her. I agree. She was there for me through all my hardships and was the reason I smiled on my hardest days. 

People argue that for someone or something to be a best friend, there’s a cycle of communication: listening, talking and understanding. How could a dog do this? They can’t even speak. 

I don’t believe in that definition. To me, a best friend has nothing to do with the ability to speak. I created a connection with my dog through nonverbal cues and the unconditional love we both share for each other. 

I know for a fact that my dog loves me the way I love her. I know this through the way she jumps on me when I come home, whether it’s from 90 miles away at college or five minutes down the road from Dunkin’. 

I believe, if possible, everyone should experience the friendship of a dog. It’s a relationship like no other. Not only will they make your life 100 times better, but they also improve emotional and mental health. 

Many dogs act as emotional support animals, providing people with a feeling of security and happiness. They help reduce loneliness and teach owners responsibility. 

Owning a dog is a huge commitment. You need to be ready to drop anything and take care of them as they are completely reliant on their owners. Though this sounds like a lot of work, it builds a sense of responsibility that people without dogs never get the chance to have. It prepares owners to take care of someone other than themselves. It’s a responsibility that is completely worth it. 

Next time you are thinking about wanting to make more friends, maybe start your search at the animal shelter or rescue!

Cayla Mutchnick is an opinion columnist at The Review. Her opinions are her own and do not represent the majority opinion of The Review staff. She may be reached at caylamut@udel.edu.