Imagine this: you're exhausted from waking up for an 8 a.m. class, it's been raining all day and, of course, you left your rain jacket at home. 

Sounds pretty bad, right? What can make your whole day turn around? Try coming home to a happy little ball of fur. No, it’s not a cat. Even better – a dog! 

I have a six year-old Yorkie, named Daisy, and she is my total obsession. Between posting Instagram pictures of her, I am always down for cuddles, licks and playing fetch with her stuffed Hello Kitty doll. There is, however, a down side to owning a dog, especially when you’re in college. If you own a dog, forget about having bed space. My dog might only be 10 pounds, but she takes up at least half the bed when she stretches out and has all of her toys piled up around her.

Sometimes I feel like I’m a teen mom constantly feeding, cleaning and providing for her. Never do I leave the house and not feel slightly guilty or worry about what she is going to get into while I’m away. It is also costly. It is hard enough to support myself, yet alone another living creature. Food, toys, treats and the occasional vet bill adds up quick with a $7.25 hourly wage.      

For every negative to having a furry companion, there are positives. Dogs are the best friends that humans can have. No matter what kind of mood you are in, or how bad of a person you’ve been that day, a dog will always look up to you. They feel empathy and when you are sad or happy they feel the same. I know that when I come home stressed out, with a nights worth of homework, Daisy will always wag her little tail and jump into my lap.

My dog is my tiny protector from burglars and monsters. When my roommates go out, or go home for the weekend, having Daisy in my apartment makes me feel safer. She may be little, but she is the scrappiest thing I’ve ever seen! Nothing is going to come through my door without Daisy attempting to attack. Dogs are also loyal and will have your back more than most humans do. Most importantly, Daisy is the best at loving me and nothing is better than that.