There are so many qualities that factor into being a best friend. One who can listen hours on end about practically anything, will be by your side at any time of the day, and give hugs that will make everything better. A best friend can make you laugh over silliest things and will always be down to go out and explore. I have been blessed to have multiple people who fit this description to a T. The one who has never let me down is my best friend Rex, my dog.

Everyone knows the cliche, "a dog is a man's best friend," and in my case it could not be more true. When I was in sixth grade, my parents were gracious enough to get me a yellow lab puppy. It was a huge responsibility, but I was ready for the challenge and we had a bond that was like no other. Since that day, we have been inseparable. Rex and I have been through so much in the last couple of years and he has helped me grow as a person. I don't know where I would be without my dog. He has shown me what love is and will always be a huge part of my family. There is nothing like coming home from a long day at school or work and having a huge welcoming committee at the door; it is an automatic mood booster. Knowing I get to come home to Rex every night and he will be there, happy to see me, no matter what, gets me through the day.

Now that I have been at college, I realize how much I leaned on my dog for emotional support. He was always there to cheer me up or make me laugh. Not waking up with him in the room has been so hard these last couple of months. I knew it would be a good day when I woke up to slobbery kisses. I miss how he gets a little too excited around dinner time, or the way his droopy eyes look at you when its time to go to bed. Although he is thousands of miles away, I always know that he will still be at the door waiting for me to come. Having a dog is the most wonderful and rewarding thing in the world and I not having him at school with me is so incredibly hard. You never realize how much you lean on others, especially your pets, until you leave home.

Rex will forever be my very best friend. He licks up my tears of laughter and joy and is always waiting for me to come. Without him, I don't know where I would be. There has never been a day where he has not brought me joy. I love my dog more than most and I have no shame in that. Nothing can describe the unbreakable bond between a dog and its owner.