Being a pet owner is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. Having a companion by your side, one who’s always happy you're home and sad when you leave.

A pet can bring us many joys in life, from puppyhood through adulthood. Throughout our lives, we will have many pets that bring us different kinds of comfort when we need it.

I’ve always had dogs in my house, from the day I was adopted until now. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to cats, but I am 100% grateful for growing up with my dogs.

They have gotten me through the hardest days of my life and they have been there to celebrate the good ones.

Pets are our guardian angels.

They’re fun to play with and they always have funny and quirky personalities. They know how to make us laugh when we’re crying and happy when we're mad.

They are our protectors from all things bad and they will stand by our sides no matter what. Pets aren’t just animals we take care of. They are family.

Being a pet owner, though, is understanding that they are given to us to guide us through parts of our lives. If it were up to me, I’d want all of my dogs to stay with me forever, but sadly they can’t.

Being a pet owner is knowing that they’ve done their job and they’ve done it well. When the day is done, and it's time to say goodbye, we do.

This summer, I said goodbye to my best friend. He was always there in my life, through my pre-teens, learning how to drive, graduation, and so much more. As much as I wanted and begged him to stay, he had another child he had to go to.

He had to go to someone else. He had to be their best friend.

Understanding that is what being a pet owner means. It's not being selfish, even when it’s the hardest decision in your life. Pets are the one thing you can’t be selfish with.

What it means to be a pet owner is loving them unconditionally every day, and letting them go when they say it’s time to go.