Here’s a classic scenario: You love animals. In fact, every dog you come by you can’t help but reach out and love on them without so much as saying hello to the human walking them. You dog-sit every chance you get, you oogle over adorable dog memes and you might even go to the dog park just to be amongst the smiling puppies. But... for some reason there’s something holding you back from getting your own.

You might be young. You might want to feel ‘free.’ Whatever the reason, you keep coming up with excuses for not taking the leap and going down to the Humane Society to adopt your next best friend.

Well, that’s why I’m here. To help you rationalize those stupid fears that ‘you can’t afford a dog’, or that ‘you’re just not ready yet’. I’m here to help you make the best decision of your life. Here are 5 reasons you should go get that dog. (And you can’t deny that all of them are accurate!)

1. Dogs save you time

Sounds weird, right? Typically the saying goes that dogs are way too demanding of your time, and they cost too much money. However, think of all those nights you go out to the bars or out to dinners with your friends. If you have a furry best friend at home, you won’t be able to be out as much. Therefore, you’re really saving time and money. Remember when you used to get mad FOMO, so you would constantly be out and about running from one thing to the next? Well, say no more. You don’t have time for FOMO. In fact, you have a lot more ‘me’ time (and by ‘me’, I mean ‘me and my dog-friend’). These days, I stay inside with my pup streaming way too much Grey’s Anatomy for free on ABC. Lucky thing is, my dog loves Grey’s too! (It’s her favorite show, I think).

2. They’re not as expensive as you think

Honestly, they’re not that expensive. If you adopt a dog from a local shelter, they’re practically free. Another concern I hear about often is the price of dog food, but there’s actually some high-quality dog food for affordable prices out there. And another thing to consider - where can you cut back on expenses to make room for something better? When you break it down, you might spend $1000 + a year on shoes, which according to some sources, is the annual price of owning a pet dog.

3. Dogs Cure Depression

Let’s look at it this way. A therapist typically costs around $120-$250 per session. A dog’s cuddles, however, are free. Studies have found that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression, and can even lower blood pressure. In fact, one study reports that if you’re over the age of 65 and you have a pet, you’ll make 30% fewer visits to the doctor than those who don’t have a pet. Not to mention, you’ll have a best friend for life! In addition to helping with depression, you'll have overall better health. Even though a recent study claimed that sleeping with your dog neither improves or worsens your sleep, I would definitely claim that my sleep has immensely improved since getting a furry cuddle-buddy. (However, the improved sleep could also be a factor from getting a new memory foam mattress, but I'll firmly defend my cuddle buddy theory ). An earlier study from Mayo did find that some people tend to sleep betterbecause it gives them a sense of security.

4. Keeps you Fit

Save yourself $40-$80 a month on a gym membership because… you have a dog instead! I tried going to the gym for a bit, but every time I would go run on the treadmill I would instantly feel guilty thinking of Ripley (my dog) at home. I still have my gym membership and go occasionally, but for the most part I take Ripley out for a run or a hike after work. Due to the fact Ripley needs exercise (even more than me), I make it a top priority to take her outside running or hiking. Ripley is a Shepherd, which means she needs lots of exercise. It’s not an option whether or not I exercise her - it’s an absolute must to keep her healthy. This has forced me to get outside a lot more, and hey, in the meantime I’m getting fit with her! Not only has this kept me healthy and happy, but I’ve met a lot of great friends on hikes, runs, and at the dog park.

5. They love you no matter what

Last but not least, your dog might be the one person at the end of the day who will love you no matter what. Price = Priceless!