Growing up we always had pets. If it wasn't cats it was a turtle, or fish, and then finally, a dog. I remember begging to have a dog. My dad would always talk about the dogs he had while growing up and how important he thought it was to have a dog around when you're growing up. He always has black Labradors around, so what kind of dog did we get? A black lab! I remember my aunt called saying she had puppies that needed a home, so we went over to her place to find a house full of puppies aka a dream come true! Abby (our dog) just kept following my dad around. She just wouldn't leave him alone, and it was quite adorable. She ended up coming home with us. We didn't choose her, she chose us.

Abby's first day with us was such a fun day. I was so obsessed with her and couldn't leave her alone, but I knew we couldn't smother her. We had to let her get adjusted to the house and us.

Now Abby is about eleven years old, and it's heartbreaking for me to see her get old and to not being able to go up the stairs sometimes, or when she hardly eats. Especially now that I've moved across the country. While on FaceTime with my family over the holidays I'd say hello to everyone and then ask the important question, "ok where's Abby?!"

It's crazy how pets aren't just pets, they're apart of the family and I don't know about you, but we treat Abby like family; she's more than just our dog.

So yes, I am writing an appreciation piece for my dog, because I appreciate everything she's done for me. The best part about having a dog, or a pet in general, is when you don't want to be around people they're there for comfort and company. For those times when you're in a moody funk and no one understands, your pets do, and they'll comfort you. Why do you think there's companion pets? Whenever I'm having a 'ruff' day, Abby just follows me around until I accept her love and comfort. Take care of your pets, and they'll take care of you.