National Dog Day gives all dog owners a reason to celebrate, and this year’s celebration came with an extra treat for Arkansans. Named the #25 Most “Dog Happy” U.S. State, Arkansas dogs are not only among the most loved, but also the most appreciated.

The Milo’s Kitchen “Dog Happy” Survey analyzed 3,000 dog parents (ages 21 to 65+) around the country to determine how regularly they demonstrate thankful, loving and grateful  behaviors with their dogs.

The 25 Most “Dog Happy” U.S. States

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Washington
  4. Tennessee
  5. Florida
  6. Massachusetts
  7. Texas
  8. Missouri
  9. Ohio
  10. Arizona
  11. Pennsylvania
  12. Michigan
  13. New Hampshire
  14. Kentucky
  15. Montana
  16. Colorado
  17. Louisiana
  18. North Dakota
  19. Illinois
  20. Delaware
  21. Kansas
  22. Wisconsin
  23. Alabama
  24. Virginia
  25. Arkansas

The survey ranked states according to how regularly they engaged in supportive behaviors, such as doggie kisses, giving treats and saying “I love you.”

Milo’s Kitchen also produced additional findings to demonstrate pet parents’ emotional connects with their dogs.

Emotional Support Findings

  • 86% of dog parents say their dog “comforts me immeasurably”
  • 71% say their dog “reminds me to seek out more joy in life”
  • 64% say their dog “makes me look forward to going home more than anything else”
  • 63% say their dog “makes me much more patient and responsible”
  • 65% say their dog “helps me become a better person”
  • 95% of dog parent say they have a regular conversation out loud with their dog

Physical Support Findings

  •  73% of dog parents buy their dog a special gift (especially dog treats) at least once a month
  • 68% of pet parents allow their dogs to sleep in the same bed at least once per month

Based on the research from the survey, Milo’s Kitchen also released a list of the 27 ways dogs improve our lives. The list includes stress relief, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, health alert detection and companionship, among other benefits. Read the full list here, and don’t forget to say “thank you” to your furry friends!