Being far from home, I certainly have those days where I miss my humble abode; my own room, my family, and the many delicious home-cooked meals. Despite these moments of sorrow, I generally am so content being in this wonderful place I get to call my new home. There’s just one furry friend that I am dying to see: a soft-coated Wheaten terrier named Dezi.

Dezi came into my life like a surprise when I was 9 years old. I quickly got over my fear of dogs and fell in love with this animal. She adds immense amounts of joy into my whole family’s lives every single day. While some of her antics may have become routine, they will never get old. I will never stop laughing when she jumps down the stairs or when she stomps her paws for food. Even though she doesn’t speak (English), she is an incredible communicator and I always know what she wants, whether that be to go on a walk or to get her ball from under the sofa. Here are some reasons why my dog, and probably yours too, deserves to be celebrated every day and why I can’t wait to come home and visit her.

1. She has grown up with me.

I was only 9 years old when I got my dog. Now I’m 18. A lot happens between 4th grade and freshman year of college. She has been with me through all the growing experiences.

2. She’s always here to listen.

If no one else wants to hear me rant about something or listen to me sing, I know she’ll always sit there and watch me, even if she doesn’t say anything.

3. She never judges me.

If I run downstairs in a weird outfit or say a bad joke, she won’t think any less of me and will love me just the same.

4. She loves everyone.

Everyone knows when they come over to my house, they can expect a tail wagging fifty miles a minute and a ton of kisses. She loves showing affection and receiving affection.

5. She’s always there.

When I’m alone at home or everyone else is busy, I always know I have her waiting for me to play or cuddle with her.

6. She motivates me to exercise.

She’s my walking buddy. I know she needs to get her exercise and fresh air for the day, just like I do, so it gives me a good reason to get off the couch and be good to myself too.

7. She’s always excited to see me.

There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing my dog jump for joy when anyone in my family comes home. Even if we were only gone for half an hour, she acts like she hasn’t seen us in years and she clearly misses us.

8. She loves me.

From running over to give me kisses to sitting on my suitcase because she doesn’t want me to leave, I can tell that my dog loves me for who I am.

Dogs can teach us so much about how easy and amazing it is to just be nice and happy. They give us so much love and joy that all the work us owners have to put in to take care of our dogs makes it definitely worth it. She’s my best friend and I will never forget how special she is. See you soon, Dezi!