A dog is a four legged animal with a wagging tail, a very cold wet nose and a huge big heart full of unconditional love.
Dogs are in fact very much like human beings, they come in all sizes: tall, short, thick, thin, hairy, bald, noisy or quiet.
When it comes to owning a pet as a companion there is no other animal who can accompany you everywhere you go.
Man and dog forged a friendship in the early caveman era and within a short period they were working together to hunt for food.
Later it is believed that migration only became possible when man used the animals as sled dogs to carry their heavy loads.
Archaeologists discovered fossils and cave drawings which has proven the early existence of the dog.
Incredibly these early interactions with humans are thought to be why and how the animal has evolved into a trainable partner for its master.
Thousands of years later this partnership is still intact.
The amazing qualities of a dog are considerable, from family pets to working canines.
These humble animals ask for nothing other than food, exercise and shelter, in return they offer you unconditional love and will defend your family in cases of danger.
What is it about this animal that makes people from around the globe wish to share their homes and their lives with? Many dogs have also become quite famous; recently the newly elected President of the United States was quizzed repeatedly as to when the first family would be moving a dog into the White House? The appeal of a furry friend must lie in the attraction of sharing your life with a living creature who never judges you, one to whom you can reveal your inner most secrets to.
A friend who never turns you down whatever the invitation, a friend who is always there when a little comfort is required.
The role of a dog as a family pet has changed dramatically over the past few decades; television played an enormous part in displaying dogs performing acts that had not been viewed before.
Now the average owner wanted their pet to be more obedient, to enter agility classes, to dance and perform tricks.
In our modern world pets now have to compete with 'You Tube' stars.
The commercialism had begun and a dog's world is now a multi-million dollar industry.
Just about everything a pampered pooch could ask for (or in some cases not ask for!) is available, from puppy diapers to pet cemeteries.
However there are highly important roles that dogs undertake with no hesitation.
Working dogs are living among people providing a service that no other animal can give.
Farmers, Military, Police, Fire, Helping people with disabilities to live independent lives.
They bring companionship to those on their own, young and old.
The dog truly offers a lifeline to so many people.
If you have made the decision to let a dog into your life, you will not regret it.
But before you lose your heart to the first puppy litter that you see, take some time to study all the breeds of dogs out there.
Find the right dog for your lifestyle.
You must take into account the size of your home; do you have very young children? How much time do you have? For example some breeds require a lot of grooming each and every day.
Talk to friends, family and dog breeders, discover all you can and when you are ready: bring that adorable little puppy home.
Now prepare yourself for many many happy years as the two of you bond together, train together, play together and fall in love.