You see one waggin' it's tubby little rear-end and your coos could be heard from 50 miles away. Sound familiar?

Puppies are much like pet rabbits near Easter: adorable and fluffy but a real commitment. (The Huffington Post reported that 80% of bunnies adopted around Easter are soon returned.)

There are also around 7.6 million furry friends that are dropped off/found and placed at/in shelters every year!

It is such an incredible thing to find an animal that just makes your heart grow and becomes your best friend. And seeing one less cuddly pup in a shelter can easily put a smile on anyone's face. But the issue is, many are returned, abandoned, dropped off on corners, abused, or forgotten and left to starve on the streets.

Taking a pet you can and will take care of as well as love is one thing, but getting a pet because you're swept up in the moment by the cuteness isn't acceptable.

Puppies and animals of all kinds are a ton of work. They are like most things in life, they come with pros and cons. What you really need to consider is if the pros outweigh the cons and you are ready for this 13+ year commitment.

Within the next few weeks, I will be exploring some really major components to puppy parenting.

First, I will deliver the good news (it makes the bad news not as bad right?).

1. PUPS/DOGS WILL MAKE ANY HOME, LESS LONELY

I have been living two hours away from my family for nearly three years now. Some may say, "Oh that's not too far, what's the big deal?"

This is a huge deal. I come from a family that spends a lot of time together. We eat meals together, go to the movies often, and always spend birthdays and holidays at each other's sides (grandparents included). I also grew up in a household that always had at least one pet. I have had dogs, a cat, rats, and a hamster. We usually have two dogs at once. It's easy to say that I am an animal addict.

Also, starting college and working the only days your family has off just doesn't mix.

I found myself incredibly depressed and constantly lonely. I was the person that took myself on dates, spent most of my time alone, and loved every second of it. Being alone became heavy, though, and loneliness soon took over. But the thing is, dogs fill the space.

They love. They love so much that sometimes it's bad for them. They love blindly and with all that they have. They greet you when you get home. They give you kisses and wag their entire bodies because they just can't contain their happiness.

They cuddle more than you'll ever need in a lifetime.

I have endless pictures of proof. And this is only my most recent furry child I have added to my family.

And then, sadly a con, but true reality

2. PUPS EASILY GET LONELY AND NEED CONSTANT TENDING TO

Dogs, really, shouldn't be in a crate or home alone for any more than 4-8 hours a day. And 8 is seriously pushing it, especially if they don't have a doggie buddy or place to go to the bathroom and fresh water.

The life of a college student is crazy, long, all over the place, and unpredictable. We spend countless hours studying, attending classes, visiting different buildings and offices to meet with professors, make-up tests, do paperwork, etc. You can't just leave a dog at home all day, especially by itself.

Luckily, I live with my boyfriend, my love that helps me raise our pup. He and I consider our him our fur-child. We make sure our school and work schedules allow for our pup, Little Man, to only be alone 4 or so hours at a time.

Taking them out for walks, spending a solid 30 minutes tiring them out, and other bursts of exercises are super important. This especially goes for puppies under 2 or so years of age. I am no professional, but I have raised/ help raised plenty of dogs and other animals to understand what puppy parenting takes. I did hours upon hours of research before getting Little Man, and you should too.

Hopefully, my next few articles help you out. If by the end of all of my posts, you find that a puppy still sounds like a good idea and works with your life, then I support your choice.

Just remember, this puppy depends on you. This is a life. A life that is in your control if you so choose. Make it the best life a pup could ever want. And treasure when they're tiny little puffballs because it goes by far too fast.