The holidays have arrived, and, like every day, it's good to reflect on what we're thankful for.

Holidays with dogs are absolutely at the top of our list because they're our friends, teachers, and family rolled into one furry bundle of love.

They possess the ability to better our lives in ways that no one else can.

The last twelve months may have had more than its share of difficulties and triumphs, but our dogs were there through it all.

As we anticipate a new year full of opportunities and change, we also want to remind ourselves of why our canine friends are awesome! We lucky dog parents have much to be thankful for...Here's some of what they have done to brighten up our lives, through thick and thin.

Do you want to train your dog the same as my dog?

1. A great affordable shrink for every day of their life.

For the days that you go home and need to vent about your frustrating job and the love life that won't happen, your dog will patiently sit right by you and willingly take an earful of your woes while licking those tears away.

2. They'll keep you healthy - both physically and emotionally.

They'll motivate you to go the distance and run that extra mile, no matter how exhausted you are. They'll also make you laugh and enjoy everything so much more, which will totally boost your self-esteem and general outlook on life.

3. They bring you out of your shell.

When you're out with your pup, you're bound to run into strangers who will coo over your fluffy companion. You can be the most introverted, anti-social person in the world, but your adorable dog - and their admiration - can help pull you out of your shell and give you the chance to practice your conversational skills. And if there aren't any worthy people around? They'll help you to connect with the world around you.

4. They remind us to enjoy the simple things.

With full-blown exuberance, they'll jump into piles of leaves with glee and chase their own tails ceaselessly. To do all of this with a silly grin is what makes dogs so unique. We need to let loose sometimes and bring out our inner puppy too!

5. They show us the true meaning of unconditional love.

Whether you forgot to pick her up from doggy daycare or lost your temper, they'll gaze up at you with those big brown eyes and immediately forgive you. It's a gift that dogs are able to forgive and forget with a wag of a tail

6. They're the best bodyguards.

From beginning to end, you have a bodyguard for life. Your safety and happiness is your pup's highest priority, so it's an awesome feeling to know that someone always has your back.

7. They're always up for an adventure.

Even if you took off at this very moment, your pup wouldn't hesitate to join you. There's no need to complain or be distracted by the "what if's." After all, the destination and purpose really is a distant thought as long as you're there!

8. They don't mind it when you sing off-key.

Your friends always tell you to be quiet, and the thought of karaoke makes your palms sweaty. But have no fear, because your dog will never critique you as if you're on American Idol. Better yet, they'll howl along and perform a duet with you.

9. They're the most effective alarm clocks.

Forget the pesky alarms you've set on your phone and rely on your cute pooch to slobber on your face at the crack of dawn. Nothing like morning kisses to get you on your feet!

10. You can never really stay mad at them.

Seriously, what kind of magical power do dogs have that they can snuff out any negativity with a sincere glance from those eyes? It's almost pointless to be upset over anything they do.

11. You don't need to impress them.

It doesn't matter what job you have, what car you drive, or how much you make in a year. Bad hair days don't exist for them. They could care less about makeup or your outfit. They don't mind a little extra padding on your body, or the skinny bony places either. All your pooch wants is your time, love, and presence!

12. They're a good sport.

Wearing ridiculous holiday outfits? Check. Tasting the never-attempted-before homemade dog biscuits? Check. Letting you post dorky pictures of them on Instagram? Check.

13. You're the best thing that's happened to them.

And they'll show it too. Through all the snuggles, kisses, and enthusiasm, you'll always be assured that there's nothing better out there for your pooch than you.

14. They love you. Just the way you are.No explanation needed, no questions asked; you're enough for that dog, and don't you forget it! Ready to learn how to talk with animals yourself? Check out all of my courses at Learnhowtotalktoanimals.com - see the link in the bio below.

Take a look and choose what most appeals to you. If you are a newbie, then I highly recommend starting with the Beginning Core Foundations Course.

The Advanced Animal Talk Mastery Course is awesome and includes many of my favorite, most powerful healing techniques along with many specific topics that every animal talk student needs to know how to deal with successfully._____________________________________________________________ Heart got her start in animal communication in 1993 when an injured mare spontaneously told her why the wound on her hip wouldn't heal. Through the conversation, Val and the owner witnessed with astonishment as the wound simply disappeared right before their eyes as she shared her story! Called The Real Dr.

Doolittle, Val is a leading animal communication expert, internationally recognized animal whisperer, and master healer for people and pets.

Not the typical animal communicator, her specialty is the H.E.A.R.T System for Solving Problems with Pets.

Do you want to train your dog the same as my dog?