Got a dog? Great! Turns out your family will probably live longer

Finally, some good news.

If you've got a dog, you are most likely only delighted with yourself. And why wouldn't you be? They're fun, they're adorable, they're the only people who are excited to see when you come home. They are, essentially, the best. It'll probably come as no surprise then that those of us who have dogs are going to live longer... and not just because the little lads make us so happy. According to new research, having a dog decreases your chances of dying young by a third because they keep you healthy via walks and also make you feel less lonely. Bless. The study was published in Scientific Reports and it shows that people who had dogs are 33 percent less likely to die young from any illness. Participants were also 11 percent less likely to die from heart-related conditions. The study monitored almost 3.5 million people between the age of 40 and 80 for 12 years. Families who owned dogs were also 11 percent less likely to die young, with hunting breeds being the best kind of pup to have around for a long and fruitful life. Sounds good to us. Time to hit up the DSPCA, lads.