When I was on my way home from school for this winter break, I had one thought going through my mind: I cannot wait to see my puppies. Now keep in mind, my dogs are not actually puppies; one is 13 and the other is five. Another thing to keep in mind is that while they are adorable, they are probably the least behaved dogs ever. They will jump on the counter and eat my dinner, chew up my shoes, jump on top of me when I’m asleep and basically destroy everything in their paths. But I love them so.

Dogs are probably the greatest thing to ever happen to our world. I see the same quote all over the internet and it states, “Dogs are too pure for this world.” That quote is completely true. While my dogs are total P.I.T.A.’s, they look at everything with a sense of wonder. Whether it's the grilled cheese you’re trying to enjoy or the leash in your hand, dogs will be overjoyed about it. They’re also just excited ALL THE TIME. Did you leave the house for a few hours to do to work? You’re greeted with the most loving welcome ever. Did you just run out to your car for two seconds? As soon as you step back in that house, you are the center of attention for the next hour.

My friends have had a mixture of experiences when coming over to my house. Most of the time when they see my dogs, there’s a whole lot of love and hugs for them. Other times, though, when they crawl up on my friend who is very allergic to them, take their spot on the couch or rip up their shoes, they aren’t very welcome anymore. There have been many times that I’ve found myself standing up for my dog’s actions than for my friends who fell victim to them (sorry, guys.)

The fact of the matter is that my puppies have seen me through everything. Whenever I’m sad they come and comfort me and whenever I want to cuddle they will hop right on my bed with me. They immense amount of joy that I feel when I see my dogs cannot even be described.

So, my name is Brigid Shea… and I am a dogoholic.