In light of recently watching "The Secret Life of Pets" with my nephew, I desperately want a pet of my own. Granted I’ve wanted a pet for about five years now, but watching adorable animals find a home and happiness filled my heart with longing. So in hopes that my mom will read this article and finally allow me to adopt a cat, here are 75 reasons why pets are the best and we should all adopt one.

1. Adorable friend
2. You can give them funny names like Mr. Noodles or Randy
3. They can sleep on your bed or in your room
4. Protection from burglars and unwanted guests
5. They’ll listen to all your problems and not judge you
6. Take them for a walk (even your cat, it’s catching on)
7. You can play with them
8. They’ll be there to comfort you when you’re feeling down
9. For dogs, you can go to a dog park and see them have fun with other dogs
10. They can learn tricks
11. Animals are learning how to talk, like seriously go google ‘dog says I love you’ it’s fantastic
12. Speaking of which, pets actually love you so it’s mutual love and that is beautiful
13. All pets have the ability to become a viral sensation so everyone can see their perfection
14. 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters every year nationwide
15. There are so many friends available for adoption, so many choices
16. You can go to the park and meet other people with animals
17. You’ve seen the movies, you could find a soulmate once your pet has gone through its journey and connects you to the other attractive single person around your age who also loves pets
18. Baby animals are so cute it’s ridiculous
19. Imagine growing old with your pet
20. Dressing them up
21. They are always around you or nearby when you’re at home chilling
22. They keep you grounded and responsible
23. Petting them is therapeutic
24. It’s like having a stuffed animal with feelings
25. Have you seen cat’s paws?
26. Those squishy pink beans can cure sadness
27. Can you picture how happy your pet would be the first day you bring them home
28. Now imagine how happy they’ll be every time you come home
29. They come in all shapes and sizes
30. You can have multiple pets and create a small gang
31. Carry them in your bags, portable!
32. Getting to scratch a dog’s belly
33. Getting to scratch under a cat’s chin with caution
34. Hamsters make really cute noises
35. You can put hamsters in little exercise balls and have them roll around your house
36. When you adopt you get to play with them before you take them home and that’s so exciting
37. You can give them little treats
38. Get them a collar with their name on a tag
39. Adoption fees are really low since there are so many animals
40. Some pets are bonded with other pets and you get a two-for-one deal!
41. Longhair and shorthair fur
42. No fur!
43. When cats do that thing with their paws that looks like their kneading bread
44. Purring
45. After a while you and your pet start to resemble each other
46. Pets make a house more comfortable and homey
47. All the cute Instagram pictures
48. When dogs make a ‘boof’ noise
49. The amount of loyalty is unreal
50. They become your best friend
51. They have a bubble backpack for cats that makes you look like an explorer (http://u-pet.co/)
52. Baby animals and actual babies can be the sweetest sight so if you have those around, take some pictures, make the world happy again
53. You can watch Marley & Me with them and grow closer together as you cry with them in your arms
54. The pitter-patter of their tiny feet on the hardwood floor
55. It’s like having a child but with less expense and they will never go through a teenage phase
56. You get to celebrate their birthday
57. You can throw them a little party and invite their little pet friends
58. You can get a tattoo of them so they stay with you forever
59. When you first adopt a pet and you get to buy all the new bowls and beds for them
60. Drawing eyebrows on them brings a lifetime of joy
61. You can put shoe socks on them and watch them dance around like crazy
62. Flipping their ears over
63. Spending holidays with them
64. Dogs running in the snow
65. Dogs running through the leaves in fall
66. Dogs running into water in the summer
67. Wearing matching hats
68. Wearing matching sweaters
69. Be your background wallpaper
70. You can kiss them on the nose
71. Lay in a field with them
72. They can be your ring bearer
73. Be in family pictures
74. Travel with them
75. Your life and theirs will have more meaning and more love

No matter what kind of pet you choose: cat, dog, bunny, bird, fat, small, young or old, you'll be adding an important member in your family. One that will give you memories to cherish and joy to last a lifetime. I'd like to note that a pet is a big responsibility and should never be taken for granted or purchased on a whim. Now please enjoy this video about adopting a puppy.