TOP^ LEFT:^ GETTYIMAGES;^ DOGTOYS:^ ROBBIECAPONETTOFEBRUARY 2019 / SOUTHERNLIVING.COM
38PETIQUETTESidekicks
The real reason we’re so attached to our dogs
BY KATHERINE OWENWhether on Instagram or around Charlotte, Diesel is known
for his giant, contagious “smile.” “It thrills me to see how happy
he makes complete strangers,” says owner Anna Flis. “One of
my goals is to get him certified to become a therapy dog.” In
the meantime, Diesel spreads joy unofficially by tagging along
during the week with Flis, who works at a vet office. “He loves
going to work with me so he can get all the attention from the
ladies and their pups,” she says. “He has absolutely zero coordi-
nation and keeps everyone laughing 24-7.”PET OF THE MONTHSpreading the Love
Meet this happy-go-lucky boy living in North CarolinaMAN’S OLDEST FRIEND
f Scientists are
not exactly sure how
long dogs have been
domesticated, but our
daily interactions with
these once-wild animals
show how much they’ve
established themselves
as part of the modern
family. According to a
2015 Harris Poll, around
62% of U.S. households
own a pet, and 95%
reported viewing them
as family members.IN GOOD COMPANY
f Dogs aren’t the only
ones who have a lot to
benefit from time spent
with humans (including
long walks and tasty
table scraps). Most pet
owners attest to feeling
happier when they’re
with their four-legged
companions. And a recent
Kent State University
study proved that children
cope better in a stressful
situation when their dogs
are in the room.FETCHING
FIND
Play tug-of-war or
simply cuddle up
with this ready-for-
anything, heavy-
duty cotton rope
toy. SKIPPER ROPE
DOG TOY, $14 each;
mission-pets.comFUN FACT
A Long History It’s possible that humans began
treating dogs as pets around 40,000 years ago.
The American Kennel Club says the pug is one of
the oldest breeds, dating back to before 400 BC.INSTAGRAM: @love.a.bull_diesel
BREED: Pit bull
AGE: 5
TOP TREAT: A special oversize,
round ice cube
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: “Going any-
where in town as long as a car
ride is involved!” says Flis.TRICKS: Aside from roll over,
high five, shake, and other basic
commands, he’s also great at
balancing objects.
BEDTIME: 10 p.m. on the dot. “If I
don’t get up from the couch right
at 10 o’clock, Diesel will come up
to me and pull off my blanket with
his mouth,” says Flis. Â