Growing up without a dog, I sometimes feel extremely deprived. Not only are they a permanent cuddle buddy when no one else is around, but there are a million other benefits to having a furry companion. There are so many amazing reasons to rescue a puppy from a shelter and give them a family, but not many people know how helpful they can actually be. So, here are seven reasons we should all have a four-legged furry friend.

1. Just petting a dog has been linked to reduction of anxiety, pain, depression, high blood pressure and other physical and mental illnesses.

2. Looking after a dog early on in life can help you gain a sense of responsibility as well as teach you characteristics such as compassion and caring for someone else.

3. Keeping up with a dog's activity level helps keep you moving, which means you will be exercising more, which leads to a decrease in stress levels and chance of becoming obese.

4. You’ll have a companion for life, someone who will always be happy when you get home from work or school and will always want to be by your side no matter what you are doing.

5. Dogs are incredibly entertaining and will never stop making you laugh, thus increasing happiness instantly.

6. Some dogs are so intelligent that they can sense symptoms of seizures before they happen, or they can tell before you are about to faint and will begin to alert you by barking.

7. You will never be lonely again, and you will never be able to stay sad when a puppy nuzzles its way onto your lap when you get all mopey.

Need I say more? Check out your local animal shelter today if you're interested in getting a furry, lovable companion!