I know I’m not the only person at school who counts down the days until I get to go home and see my dog. Of course, I am excited to see my family and eat delicious home cooked food- but there is nothing like the friendship between a kid and their dog.

Walking in the front door with your puppy running at you, tripping over his paws and crying with happiness… there is seriously no better welcome. Odds are you get this greeting whether you are coming home from months away at school, or if you are just coming home from a quick errand at the grocery store.

Dogs are a mutual “obsession” a family shares. Talking about how cute your dog is, laughing when he does something funny… these are all things that your friends see and can agree with, but no one other than your family truly understands your little pup and all his quirks.

If you’re feeling lonely or cold at night, your dog will keep you company- by hogging up your whole bed. He’ll stay by your side when you are sad or angry. They really are the best friend.

This brings me to my next point… dogs are there to save you– underneath the table with their big eyes begging and pleading- when you aren’t thrilled with the dinner your mom made. Dogs aren’t picky; they’re happy with anything or any food they’ve been given (even if it's leftovers), and we can learn a lot about that from them.

They remind us of the simple things in life. What if humans got extremely happy whenever they got to go for a ride in the car or got to go for a walk around the block? We would live in such a happy world!

Dogs are funny. Finding random bones hidden under the couch will never fail to bring a smile to your face. They also do anything for our attention (if you don’t believe me…try holding up a piece of chicken, their tricks will be uncontrollable!)

Dogs are your companions. They keep you company when you’re sick, join you on long walks, and remind you to be happy. They are rarely ever in bad moods…unless you don’t share any food with them!

They say a dog is a man’s best friend…but they are everyone’s best friend. They love us, idolize us, and care for us more than anyone else; they are the most ideal best friend.

It’s been proven that owning a dog increases your mental and emotional health, and even your physical health if you can remember to take him on his daily walks! Coming home from a stressful day at work to your dog is also said to be a huge stress reliever. The benefits of owning a dog are endless; they are worth every penny.

They are more than pets – they are family members. In our lives, we may have more than one dog, but our dogs only get one family. They love us unconditionally!