Our four (or plus) years in college are supposed to be the most carefree years of our lives. We are supposed to live life to the fullest and celebrate being young by taking risks and exploring who we are as individuals. For most of us, it's a time where most of our responsibilities are thrown out the window and we can live unapologetically. Although having a dog is incomparable to having a baby, it does come with a few setbacks that most people wouldn't want to worry about during this time in their life. So why would I do it? Here are just a few of the reasons...

I'm saving a life at only 21 years old. I chose to adopt my little one. I went to a humane society and almost instantly fell in love. I am a huge proponent of the movement that discourages people from buying dogs and encourages people to save them. Shelters are overflowing with animals just waiting to be saved by you.

It's teaching me responsibility. Not only have I learned to be more responsible with my time, but also with my money. I have to make sure I plan times throughout the day to walk my dog and make sure he has food and water. Dogs also aren't cheap so I have to budget and be conscious of how much money I spend. It's either buy that new pair of shoes or buy hard and soft dog food (my dog is a little picky).

Instagram is a thing. At this point, I post more pictures of my dog than of my face. Everything he does to me is just so stinking cute. What kind of person would I be to keep that cuteness all to myself?

I'm never alone. One thing I realized after I got my dog is that I actually spend more time alone that I thought I did. Not to say that's a bad thing or I always need someone around, but it does feel nice to have a permanent companion. He just sits in his little chair in my room and keeps me company while I do all of the work that I don't want to do and he mysteriously knows when I need a break because he brings his toy to me so that we can play.

I'm meeting more people. Having a dog introduces you to an entire new community of people. Meeting someone else with a dog is an instant connection that can turn into a friendship. If you take your dog to the dog park, you leave with more friends than you came in with. The only funny thing is that usually you never really know the name of the owner of the dog but you always learn and know the dog's name.

You get more than a best friend. People say that "dogs are man's best friend." I find two things wrong with that statement. For one, dogs are also woman's best friend. And secondly, dogs are more than just best friends. They're more like family. If it's a family dog that you grew up with then he or she will feel like a brother/sister. But if it's a dog that you got on your own after moving out of your parent's house then it's your child. Wherever your dog falls in the lineage, you will definitely agree that they make your family complete.

If you're thinking about getting a dog I say go for it. Just make sure you realize exactly what you are doing. If you know you can't afford to take care of a dog, don't bring one into your home. If you know that you can't make the time for a dog, just wait until you can. But when you do take that leap and bring home a furry friend remember... Adopt don't shop and get ready to live out the best decision of your life.