If you’ve ever felt like your dog understands you better than most humans, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s the tail-thumping greeting when you walk through the door, the quiet companionship during tough days, or the excuse to get outside and move, our dogs often know what we need before we do. And if you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve already felt this connection—that quiet understanding that your four-legged friend is more than a pet. They’re family. Sometimes, they’re your best friend.
That’s exactly how it started for Dr. Peter Brown, founder of Cara Veterinary. His first best friend wasn’t a classmate—it was Bo, a big, lovable black lab mix who met him at the school bus every day after Peter’s family relocated to a farm in Ellensburg. “We’d just moved from Bellevue,” Peter recalls. “I didn’t know anyone. Bo was my everything—my companion, my confidence, my comfort zone.”
Bo’s story took a dramatic turn when he was hit by a car—an accident that led Peter into a veterinary clinic where, as a sixth grader, he assisted in the surgery that saved his best friend’s life. “That was the moment,” he says. “The moment I knew what I wanted to do with my life.”
Since then, Peter’s life and career have been shaped by the dogs who’ve walked alongside him—each one entering a different chapter and bringing exactly what was needed.
And maybe, as you’re reading this, you’re thinking about the dog who got you through a breakup. The pup who taught your kids how to be gentle. The one who trained with you for that first half-marathon. Or maybe it’s the rescue curled at your feet right now.
Meet Griffey, the 80-Pound Wingman
Peter’s current companion is Griffey, a bouncy, affectionate 80-pound pit bull mix who joined the family during Bark at the Park at a Mariners game. “I’m the veterinarian for the event, and we were doing adoptions that night,” Peter says. “But it wasn’t so much that we picked Griffey. He picked us.”
Named in honor of Seattle legend Ken Griffey Jr., this rescue pup from Eastern Washington has become a focal point in Peter and his wife’s post–empty nest life. “We’ve made friends because of him. We’ve found trails we’d never explored. Our whole rhythm shifted—and for the better.”
What the Science Says—and What We Already Know
Peter’s insights as a veterinarian are backed by decades of research—and one mentor in particular shaped how he sees the human-animal bond: Dr. Leo Bustad, the former dean of Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and one of the earliest pioneers in the field of human-animal interaction.
“Leo believed deeply that dogs didn’t just serve roles—they had relationships,” Peter explains. “He was the first person I heard say that dogs provide purpose. That they’re not here just to herd sheep or retrieve ducks. They’re here to love—and be loved in return.”
Bustad’s work revealed that dogs in the home significantly impact mental and physical health. Former inmates returning to homes with pets showed lower recidivism rates. Elder care facilities with pet-friendly policies saw reduced reliance on medication. College students reported lower stress during finals after just a few minutes of contact with therapy dogs.
“Touch a dog, and your blood pressure drops,” Peter says. “Your breathing slows. Your anxiety lowers. It’s real. It’s measurable. And it’s powerful.”
Even more fascinating? Dogs may have selected us, not the other way around. “Anthropologists now believe early canines approached humans, not the other way around,” Peter shares. “The friendliest ones got food—and warmth. Over time, we selected for that friendliness. The bond we have today? It’s built on thousands of years of mutual benefit and trust.”
It’s why Peter advocates for increasing access to dog companionship—especially for people who need that calming presence the most. “There are plenty of dogs who need homes,” he says. “And plenty of people who need a dog. Connecting the two can change lives.”
Who’s Been There for You?
Chances are, if you’ve had a dog, you’ve experienced at least one life stage where their presence made all the difference. Maybe they helped you get through the loss of a parent. Or kept you company during remote work. Or gave your family joy during the long isolation of the pandemic.
Peter has seen it all—from marathon training with his golden retriever Terry to caring for his aging parents as their yellow lab Abby kept them active and grounded. “I can’t imagine my life without dogs,” he says. “Each one brought something unique, exactly when I needed it.”
And maybe that’s true for you, too.
Whether you’ve got a puppy at your heels, an old soul snoozing nearby, or a beloved memory etched into your heart, one thing is clear: the dogs in our lives shape us, steady us, and stay with us—even long after they’re gone.
So tonight, maybe add an extra minute to the walk. Toss the ball one more time. Or just sit still and soak in the quiet companionship.
Because if you’re lucky enough to be chosen by a dog… you already know: that love changes everything.
Because if you’re lucky enough to be chosen by a dog… you already know: that love changes everything.