Though the saying “Dogs are a man's best friend” may be true, they’re a girl’s best friend too.

Dog’s are not just an animal but a best friend, a family member, a soulmate (sometimes even a boyfriend).

Their loyalty and brains are taken for granted. They really do know us better than we think they do. They know when we’re sad, mad or hurt the second we step into a room.

They’re always the first ones to greet us at the door and the last ones to escort us on our way out. They always welcome you with kisses and are overly excited even if you only left to grab the mail.

The best thing about dogs is they REALLY don’t care about the way you look, act or dress. They don’t care if you wear makeup or if you fail one of your finals. They don’t care if you skipped class that day because your bed was way too comfy to leave or if your singing and dancing in your room alone. They don’t care about what stupid mistake you made that one night out downtown or if you cheated on your diet that week. THEY DON’T CARE. With them, it is a 100 percent judgment free zone. I mean, can it really get better than that? Yes, yes it actually can.

Dogs share the same values as a lot of us do. They love to eat as much as possible (any time of the day), they love to cuddle and watch TV, and most importantly THEY LOVE TO SLEEP. Nap time is any time for dogs. I really do think dogs live the American Dream.

Another really great thing is whether it’s your dog, your friends or even a strangers they are always the happiest to see you. Whether you pass one in a store, at the park or at a restaurant they will without a doubt greet you with sweet kisses and jumps of joy. They can always put a smile on your face with their waggy tails and heavy breathing, with their tongues hanging out the corner of their mouths.

Just when you thought they couldn’t get any better, they do. They cry when you cry and are the best therapists there ever was. They don’t talk back to you and are the best listeners. They won’t look at you any differently if you decide to cry about that romantic comedy in your room with a jug of ice cream or after hours of tears after a bad breakup. No matter the problem you're having that day, they’re the first ones to be there for you unconditionally.

Dogs may be a bit too hyper sometimes, hard to train and even too smelly. But they never give up on us and providing us with their unconditional love.

If you don’t have a dog now or have never experienced the true love of having a dog as a best friend, I highly recommend it.

This is dedicated to my 14-year-old lhasa Apso, Kuki. Thanks for never giving up on me and always being there for me. Though you're getting hard of hearing and seeing now, your still my best listener, best cuddler, and best friend. I’m sorry I don’t come home too often to visit but thank you for always loving me. No matter how smelly your breath may be, you will always be my forever BFF and best first dog. Never forget, mama loves you.

XOXO,