For 17 years of my life, I was dog-less. With my mom’s severe allergy to both cats and dogs, the possibility of my family ever getting a fun-loving, tail-wagging creature, seemed unlikely. Over those 17 dog-less years, one could say I felt strong amounts of envy towards close family and friends who had a loyal and loving dog they could call their own, a dog they could play catch in the yard with, take on long walks through the park, and even take family pictures with. Although stereotypical and generalized, this clear vision I had in my head of the dog that my family was meant to have, stuck. 

Seven pet hamsters and ten fish later, the remarkable happened. My persistent nagging, and countless arguments suddenly seemed to pay off when the birth of a litter of hypoallergenic golden doodles by a dog breeder less than five minutes from my home offered me one last chance to push for an addition to our family, despite my leaving for college only a year later. Amazingly, my final argument proved successful, and no less than a few weeks later, a little, blonde haired puppy was running through our home and sleeping in our arms. 

While walking around a college campus, at some point you are bound to overhear a conversation which goes a lot like this: “Oh my gosh, I miss my bed. Oh my goodness, I miss my family. But oh my gosh, do not even get me started on how much I miss my dog.” If you were to then continue listening to that same conversation, you will most likely hear an exchange of oohs and "he/she is so cute!" as photos and memories of said dog are shared. 

Admittedly, I can say that those exact words have left my mouth on multiple occasions, and many other college students I think could also agree that they, too, have partaken in a conversation much like the one described above. It is a no-brainer that dogs are a man's best friend, but times that by 100, and I think that would accurately describe many college students' relationship with their loyal, fluffy friends back home.

In light of this, along with the help of a few dog gifs, I feel these next few reasons really show why dogs are a college students best friend. 

They are the best temporary boyfriend or girlfriend you could ever ask for.

They are the perfect pillows to sleep on and sometimes even cry on.

They will never turn down an occasional photo shoot or selfie with you.

They are the perfect comedy relief for those bad days.

When home, they are the best alarm clocks.

They will never judge your eating habits, nor do they expect you to judge theirs.

When things just do not seem to be working out and 10-page papers and exams seem to be burdening you down, the thought of your dog will never cease to bring a smile to your face.