Happy National Dog Day! Here Are 26 Reasons Why Dogs Are Awesome.

"Medical research supports that statement. In 1980, a group of doctors followed 92 people for a year after the subjects were admitted to a coronary care unit. The mortality rate among animal owners was only 6 percent, while that of their pet-less counterparts was 28 percent."

"Studies show that animals can reduce tension and improve mood. Along with treatment, pets can help some people with mild to moderate depression feel better. If you're depressed, here's a rundown of how pets could help."

Whether it's on the street or at the dog park, it's easy to start a conversation with your dog as the subject.

A dog named who lives with Dr. Hideto Sonoda from Fukuoka Dental College Hospital in Japan has this special talent. Marine, a 8-year-old black Labrador retriever, detected colorectal cancer 91 percent of the time when sniffing patients' breath.

Like Samuel L. Dogson here!