Surprise, there is only one reason. It's my dog. (not really a surprise, oh well).

I live close enough to my university that I am able to go home every weekend. I go back most weekends for one reason, and one reason only. To see my sweet, sweet puppy.

Her name is Daisy, she's a two-year-old Aussie/beagle mix who has way too much energy for her own good. She is a complete goof who has as much, if not more social anxiety than I do.

My favorite part of coming home from college is when I walk through the door and my dog goes crazy. She goes berserk! Imagine every excited dog video you have seen floating around the internet and combine them.

When I get home she runs around the house and jumps on me like a goat as she goes by, barking and howling the whole time. Sometimes her claws hurt, but it's worth the pain watching how happy she gets when she sees me makes my whole week worth it.

Anna Dean

College is super stressful and interacting with my dog in any way possible is the best way to unwind. Cuddling, playing fetch, or just hanging out is amazing when you have a dog you really connect with.

Cuddling with a dog is amazing. Anyone who has a dog can agree. My Daisy loves to snuggle up under a blanket and nap with me. It's so relaxing and makes everything feel okay. She also snores and moves a lot in her sleep, which can be so entertaining. She is definitely the most interesting dog I have ever had.

Anna Dean

Another great stress reliever is to play fetch or frisbee. Daisy's favorite thing in the world is her frisbee. She, of course, sheds every single one out of pure excitement, but she enjoys them while they last.

When I come home, after the initial excitement is over, she will bring me a ball or frisbee, whichever one is closest, of course. She will harass me with the toy until I am so worn down I have no choice but to play with her. She is very persistent and probably a little too obsessed. I'm pretty sure she would play fetch until she dropped. When it's playtime, nothing else matters but chasing that toy.

Anna Dean

One of my favorite things to do is take Daisy to a park. She hates car rides, strangers, and dogs who are bigger than her, but she's always up for the idea of going somewhere. She loves to swim, so we've taken her to Creve Coeur Lake a few times. I always put her on a long leash and throw a ball for her to swim and get, she'll do it for hours if I do not stop her.

Daisy makes everything worth it. All the stress of college, everything that makes me want to give up, is all made okay when I get to come home to my happy doggie. Going back every Sunday really gives me the 'Sunday night blues," but it means I can do it all over again next Friday. I hope everyone gets this type of experience with a dog sometime in their life. It truly is magical.