As I come home for the first long period of time since I headed to a college five hours away, I am finding plenty of things that I appreciate about home more and more. Sure, not needing to use shower shoes and having a room to yourself is great and all, but the thing I've missed the most? Having some furry friends to greet me when I get home.

At home, my family has two cats and two dogs, and there's been some variation of that number throughout my entire life (the lowest being two cats and the highest being three cats and two dogs). Because of that, pets have been a hugely important part of my life. People who don't have pets might just think they're mess makers, or things just there for entertainment, but as any pet owner can attest, pets are one of the most wonderful, perfect gifts that anyone could ever be around.

For one, pets are huge stress reducers. People might think that pet therapy or emotional support animals are just some trend brought on by millennials, but psychologically speaking, having pets around reduces anxiety. As someone who deals with a myriad of anxiety disorders, having pets was one of the biggest things that got me through my early years before I could take medication or get the therapy I needed.

Whenever I felt really overwhelmed or stressed, petting my pets made me feel so much better. Morgan and Abby, my dogs, could always make me feel better with a wag of the tail or a cuddle session. Boris and Merlin, the cats, are always relaxing presences to be around, and help immeasurably. They've had such a calming influence that they can help me get through just about anything, and coming home from college to some furry friends has made winter break all the more relaxing.

Pets also help people get active and make getting active much more rewarding. My puppies never look happier than when I take them out for a walk, and even just the word "walk" can start a frenzy the likes of which is usually not seen.

Seeing them practically prance around the parks or frolic in the snow makes me glad that I got outside and did something active, and it makes me way more likely to get fresh air than I would have otherwise. As a college student who can be a gremlin at times, that's important, because as wonderful as sitting inside and writing is, a girl needs fresh air occasionally.

But perhaps most importantly, pets are friends, and they're some of the purest friends that anyone could possibly have. They love you, no matter what mistakes you make will be at your side no matter what. You can come home and a furry friend will be waiting for love, whenever you're down, they'll be there.

Pets give us insurmountable amounts of love and affection, and even through their comparatively short lifespans, they'll be at your side. Who or what else would devote themselves so tirelessly to you through their entire lives, without a single thought? Who else would be so loving and kind?

Pets are honestly a gift to us, and they're some of the most wonderful parts of life. So to anyone who has pets, give them a cuddle. We're incredibly lucky to have them.