Dogs are the best friends you'll ever have.

Have you ever wandered around campus and counted 15 dogs on your journey? Have you felt the need to pet every single one on your way to class?

Do you ever see a pup and think of how much you miss yours back home?

Me too.

I can guarantee you're not alone. There are thousands of students on your campus, and you can bet that almost every single one struggles throughout the day, because they're thinking of what they'd give to play with a dog at that moment.

While some students are blessed enough to have their dogs just downtown at their apartments, there are some (like me) who are hours away from their furry companions.

I have no problem telling the world I identify as more of a cat person, but I'll admit there's no greater joy than coming home for the weekend and hearing the clicking of your dog's toenails against the hardwood floor as they run towards you.

And that's the thing – I don't think many people understand that.

Some don't find this to be one of the best things in the world, and just kinda push it aside. But as a college student, I've learned my dog is one of the most effective stress relievers there are.

When I'm in class, I tend to get stressed out way too easily.

I can't always think straight, and I only concentrate on the clock telling me when to leave. That's when I take a break, and look at pictures of my dog.

Just doing that gives me a surge of confidence and helps me remember I can do anything that I set my mind to.

It reminds me I always have someone in my corner, rooting for me no matter what.

I've never been more blessed than to have an animal that loves me this much. On nights when I'm home, he climbs onto my bed, and then wakes me up the next morning.

It gets annoying sometimes when I'd really just like to sleep in, but I know I'd be lost without him.

So, the next time you're headed to class, go out of your way to pet the dog that looks so happy to see you. Take your dog on campus, and to the park to play with the other strangers there.

Your canine will love it, you'll be much more relaxed. I can promise that you won't regret it.