Being at school, I experience a shortage of puppy love and companions, because dorm life sucks. However, I had the privilege of going home for fall break and seeing my best friend, who just so happens to have four legs and paws. Here’s a few signs that your dog is also your best friend:

1. You’re more excited to see your dog once you get home than the majority of people you know.

Is it weird that I countdown the days until I see my dog next?

2. You never get tired of hanging out with them.

Sometimes, I just don’t want human interaction, and my dog understands that.

3. Your dog never judges you.

Probably because they can’t talk, but that’s alright.

4. You FaceTime/Snapchat your dog when you’re away.

I just miss him so much, okay?

5. You have more heart to hearts with your dog than you do with your human best friend.

Like I said, they don’t judge.

6. They’ve seen you at your worst and they still attack you with slobbery kisses anyways.

There is no love more true than that of your dogs.

7. You have fallen victim to the infamous “puppy voice.”

Oh, you know, the really high-pitched, childlike tone of voice we speak to our dogs in.

8. You are more likely to show pictures of your dog to friends at school than pictures of your hometown friends.

Hey, look! My dog’s the cutest!

9. You’re also more likely to Instagram pictures with/of your dog than you are family or friends when you miss them.

It’s not like my dog has social media to even see my heartfelt appreciation post, but it’s the thought that counts.

10. When you’re finally reunited, he is your one and only sidekick.

Shotgun rider, sharer of beds; you name it, and my dog is probably with me.

At the end of the day, although my dog can't talk, he is my best friend, and I wouldn't know what to do without him.