Dogs, perhaps the cutest social facilitators on earth

Dogs, oh how we love them! They're almost always ready to make new friends and bring people together. You know how it goes - you're out on a walk with your pup and suddenly you're stopped by someone asking about your furry friend. Before you know it, you're having a full-on conversation with a stranger, all because of your sweet pooch. 

It's not often something we think of but our dogs facilitating these 'weak-tie' casual relationships can be beneficial to our health and happiness. These small interactions that happen because of our pets and are a surpringly large factor in contributing to our feeling of belonging and being connected to our community.

But it's not just about starting conversations, dogs are also great for encouraging physical activity. Whether you're out for a run or just a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, having a dog by your side is great motivation to get moving. Plus, it's a fun way to meet new people and strike up a conversation with fellow dog-lovers.

But the social benefits of dogs go beyond just meeting new people - they also provide emotional support and bring joy to our lives. Owning a dog can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and sharing that special bond with others can lead to meaningful connections. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good dog petting session? The simple act of petting a dog or watching them play can bring a smile to anyone's face and help to break the ice in social situations.

So go ahead and thank your furry friend for being the ultimate social facilitator - they deserve all the belly rubs.

See you at the dog park!