You love your best friend. And you love your puppy (or the puppy at the mall you like to pretend is yours). But what if your best friend was a puppy. Not literally. I don't think that happens anywhere but in Disney movies. No, I just mean that perhaps your best friend exhibits many of the same characteristics of a puppy, which, as you can imagine, is pretty freakin' adorable.

1. They're pretty freakin' adorable.

Everyone has that one friend whose cheeks you just want to pinch because they're so cute. And they'll let you, because puppies will let you pinch their cheeks, because they're so cute. It's a cycle of cheek-pinching cuteness. They occupy a special place in your heart reserved for innocent beings you just want to protect from the world. But not against pinches. There is no protection from that.

2. They can never get enough cuddles.

If you're ever having a bad day, you know this friend will always be ready with a hug and a smile. And more hugs. Too many hugs, perhaps. Much like puppies, they'll come and lay on top of you, especially when you're in the middle of doing homework or are trying to leave. They don't want to inconvenience you but they just can't help it. And sometimes you can't help letting them.

3. You have to remember to feed them.

They don't get cranky very often, but one of the reasons they do is when they haven't eaten in a while. Having snacks around is always a must. You wouldn't want them chewing up your pillow while you're gone.

4. They can't be left alone for long periods of time.

Although they might not pee on the rug, they'll probably attack you when you get back because "Oh my God people look my person is back I know they will never leave me again this is the best thing that has ever happened to anyone!" And in that moment you feel like you never can leave them again, because each time they barely survive it.

5. They like to be petted.

Affectionate caresses can be very soothing, so it's easy to see what your dog sees in it. And it's therapeutic for you (especially if you're feeling pet-deprived), so you both win! If that's too weird you can always disguise it as playing with their hair, but it basically amounts to the same thing.

6. They tend to have more energy than you.

It's really cute when they always want to play, but sometimes you just can't keep up. That's why it can be useful to have another puppy (-like friend) around so that they can have a play-date and burn off some of that excitement.

7. They make cute noises when you squeeze them.

Actually, a lot of people will do this involuntarily.

8. They are really hard to stay mad at.

It takes a special kind of person to really be mad at a puppy. On the rare occasions when they do something bad or are just a little too much for you and you find yourself getting annoyed, you quickly realize that feeling practically impossible to maintain. How could you ever stay mad at a face like that? You know if they did have a tail it would be between their legs. The last thing in the world they want is to upset you, so you really have no choice but to forgive them.

9. They love you unconditionally.

What makes puppies so lovable is exactly what makes your friend so lovable too. You know that no matter what mistakes you make, how much you neglect them, you will always see them come bounding towards you hoping for a hug. Because they are too sweet by nature to ever stop caring for you with all their heart, so you can't help but reciprocate.