Growing up, I wasn't much of a dog person...or a cat person...or really an animal person. I know what you're thinking, "What kind of hateful person are you? Do you worship the devil or something? Did you have a traumatic experience where you fell off a horse? Or were you attacked by your grandma's cat which you're pretty sure is the spawn of satan disguised as a furry mammal?" The truth is no. It wasn't until about two years ago that I really fell in love with my family dog. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was constantly home alone with my family's shih-tzu Maxwell or that my mother treated him like he was my little brother that forced me to absolutely fall in love with him. I can honestly say that saying goodbye to Maxwell was one of the hardest goodbyes I had to give before leaving for college for the first time.

In honor of my furry best friend, I decided to write a little tribute to him. Here are just a few of the things I love about him.

1. He's always excited to see me.

Every time I walk through the door to my house I can expect to see Maxwell there. Whether I was gone for ten minutes making a quick Starbucks run or on a week long vacation, I know that Maxwell will be at the door waiting for me. How could I possibly complain about someone getting excited to see me? Especially a fury one with paws.

2. He gives me endless cuddles.

After a long day of school or work all I went to do is cuddle...with literally anything or anyone. I couldn't be more thankful that Maxwell is the one I get to cuddle. Who needs a significant other when you can cuddle a fluffy dog that doesn't talk during your favorite show while you cuddle?

3. He doesn't tell anyone my secrets.

I don't mean to brag, but my dog is pretty good at keeping secrets. I can tell him absolutely anything and he won't tell a soul. He might tell his other dog friends, but I'm okay with them knowing that I sometimes walk around naked and sing show tunes.

4. He makes me exercise.

Max needs to go on at least one walk a day or otherwise he gets a little cranky. Those few loops I do around the park once a day is the peak of my fitness. I could not have a better little workout buddy. He doesn't get cranky and try to one up me. He gets a treat after being such a good boy on our walk and I get to burn an extra few calories. It's a win-win situation.

5. He's like my own personal vacuum cleaner.

Whenever I drop anything even remotely edible- I can expect Max to eat it immediately. He makes cleaning up much more efficient.

6. He never fails to put a smile on my face.

No matter how stressful or bad a day has been I can count on Max to get me to smile. Whether it's because he's excited to see me or because he wants to keep me company while I watch Pretty Little Liars, I can't help but grin. I miss that little guy more than he could ever know. Everyone, get yourself a dog. They really aren't lying when they say that dogs are a man's best friend. I know that Max is one of mine.