When I was younger, I always said I wanted to have a big family. Growing up as an only child in a fairly small family, always had me imagining having five children. Now that I am older, I have definitely grown out of that and into the idea of becoming the crazy cat lady with 35 cats.

Have you ever had to change the channel while watching TV because you heard Sarah McLachlan's voice flood your ears? Every time an ASPCA commercial would come on, I would beg whoever had control of the remote in my family to change it. This occurred for years because animals hold such a special spot in my heart that I could not bare watching them in pain. If it was up to me, my families whole income would have been donated.

I have gotten to the point where I often prefer animals over people. One of my favorite songs growing up was "The More Boys I Meet" (The More I Love My Dog) by Carrie Underwood and I relate to it so much more now. Relationships come and go but I always know animals will be there for me.

I could go on and on about the reasons I prefer animals, but here are the five main reasons pets are the best things in your life:

1. They will always welcome you.

My friends with kids always tell me that nothing beats coming home to your child yelling "mommy!", and running into your arms and greeting you. While I am not saying that is untrue, I am saying that your life can still be complete without having children.

It makes me smile whenever I get out of the car and hear my dog barking because she's excited to see me. When I get into my house, I get to see my dog waiting at the top of my stairs. She is always wiggling her tail in excitement for me, which brings me an insane amount of joy.

2. Feeding and potty training.

One of the things my friends who are parents always talk about is their children eating and pooping. Sorry if that's too much information. From all the baby showers I have attended in the past few years and the stories I have heard, you can never have enough diapers.

One of my favorite things about my pets is that they do not need diapers. When I first trained my dog we used the pads you can buy from your local pet store and they went pretty well. Before I knew it, she was not even using the pads and was just going outside to do her business. I would say it was two months, if that. Much easier than a kid, right?

I am a picky eater and I completely acknowledge it. My mother always planned meals around me and we pretty much stuck with the same restaurants we knew would go well. One of my friends told me that her daughter is currently in a phase where all she eats is food that is the color orange. I am not going to lie, knowing my luck, that would be my future kid, but I have no idea how I would handle that.

Another good thing about pets is they eat what you give them. I tend to spoil my pets for example my dog gets some table food, her favorite being chicken, and treats. But when it comes to feeding them, my life is a breeze. The responsibility is still very much there but it is definitely much better than a child, at least that is my take.

3. They acknowledge your feelings.

If you have not had one of those nights, especially as a college student, where you lay in bed and cry, teach me your ways because I have had plenty. Each time the stress catches up with me, my dog always knows how to cheer me up. Whether it be jumping on my head to make me laugh or barking at me, she always finds a way to make me smile.

4. Snuggle buddies all day, every day.

Okay, this may be an exaggeration because sometimes I cannot stay at home and snuggle with my dog all day, even if I really want to. There are lots of times my dog is in a mood where she would rather sleep at the end of my bed than cuddle. But with the exception of those, dogs are great at cuddling.

5. Unconditional forgiveness and love.

I am an emotional person as it is, but when it comes to pets, it is multiplied (I mean I ALWAYS have to change the channel for ASPCA commercials). Unfortunately, there have been many times where it felt as if my dog was a part of those commercials because of me. I baby my pets, do not get me wrong, but accidents happen. It could be in the middle of the night when you are making a bathroom run and accidentally step on their tail or realizing you forgot to give them a treat, and they would still forgive you.

In a few years, you may see me in a record book for the most pets owned by a single woman, but I do not mind. I admittedly know my pets will forever be the best thing in my life.