National Puppy Day:
12 Reasons Why Puppies Are The Best

12. They take joy in the discovery of things, especially themselves. 

Have you ever witnessed a puppy's first interaction with anything? From stairs to snow, we can't get enough of the inquisitive mugs on our baby dogs' faces when they find new objects. Puppies are born blind and deaf, but once their senses kick in after two weeks, their uninhibited curiosity never stops. 

11. Their kisses can cure sadness. 

Multiple studies have proven that dogs can prevent depression, in addition to lowering the risk of blood pressure and heart disease. Even if you're averse to slobber and saliva, just let it happen. You'll be glad you did.

10. They are compact and ready to go.

Baskets. Backpacks. Cup holders. Puppies are your own pocket-sized sidekicks that are eager to travel with you wherever you go. And if you like them like this, some grow up to be puppy-sized forever. Take Lucy, the Yorkshire Terrier, for example. She holds the record for World's Smallest Dog, coming in at two and a half pounds and less than six inches long. 

9. They tire easily and therefore fall asleep in funny positions.

It's not easy being cute and fluffy. It takes a lot of hard work and energy, which is why puppies often fall asleep in the middle of any activity, in any location. Puppies spend approximately 14 hours of their day sleeping. 

8. They help humans socialize.

Need to alleviate an awkward situation with a group of strangers? Throw a puppy into the mix and suddenly you're all BFFs. Dogs are naturally outgoing creatures, even from birth. The most critical window of socialization in a puppy's life is between two and 18 weeks. During this time, you can introduce your puppy to any other pets or people, which helps it to remain social butterflies for the rest of its dog life. 

7. They're the cutest part of any celeb's entourage.

Not only do they become instant celebrities by association, puppies even have Hollywood's hottest stars giving up the limelight (move over, Miley) and cleaning up after them. 

6. They make cute noises. Even their farts. 

Every pip and squeak is unique and precious and totally YouTube-able. Puppies begin using vocalizations as soon as they're born. From yelps to barks, canine communication is crucial for your puppy to establish itself in any pack (its own litter or its new family with you). 

5. They don't mind morning breath.

Your significant other may complain about your morning yawn and the drool mark on your pillow, but your puppy won't. In fact, they welcome it with open puppy paws. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 42 percent of dogs now sleep in the same bed as their owners, an increase from 34 percent in 1998. 

4. They appreciate every gift you give them, even if it's an old newspaper.

We can't think of any other creature who has given us kisses in exchange for a dirty sock or muddy tennis ball. However, it seems like pet owners are spoiling their puppies now more than ever. Statistics show that Americans spent $50 billion on their pets in 2011. That's a lot of tennis balls.

3. They give you lots of things to post on Facebook and Twitter

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are slowly but surely being taken over by puppies. According to the Daily Telegraph, more than half of pet owners are sharing photos of their puppies online, and one in 10 of those pets have their own profiles. 

2. Even though they just met you, they promise to love you unconditionally forever and ever. 

Unlike significant others and boy bands, puppies are not a passing phase. They're in it for the long haul and are committed to bringing you lifelong happiness, as long as you give them a treat and a belly rub every once in awhile. Celebrate yours today or make one a part of your family via Petfinder.com.