For those of you who own a dog, you’re probably already familiar with the heartfelt bond shared between dog and owner. They are your best friends, your family. My eight year old golden retriever, Maggie, is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I happen to think that we should have been the ones starring in Marley & Me.

I wanted a dog all my life, but my parents always considered it too much responsibility. They already had three daughters – which is a lot. I begged for a dog, but was always denied. Then, in sixth grade, after typing up a 12-page contract titled, The DFM Foundation (Dog For Micaela), my parents were finally convinced that we’d better get this freak-child a damn dog.

I will never forget the day we picked Maggie up from the woman who bred her. She was the cutest, smallest, furriest little bundle of joy I had ever seen in my life. I cried tears of happiness while I sat with her in the backseat of the car as my dad drove us back to her new home. 

From the start, Maggie followed me everywhere. Although she got a little too clingy at times, I could never shoo her away -- she was just too cute). So, naturally, we spent a lot of time together. Now, eight years later, we are still doing the same thing. 

I’m not sure what it is about Maggie and me that makes our friendship so strong. Maybe it’s the fact that we have the exact same personality. Or maybe it’s that we even look alike -- I think we were twins separated at birth). Or, maybe, it’s the fact that we eat breakfast together, take naps together, go on runs together, and watch One Tree Hill together. We blast my dad’s speakers and dance around to Nicki Minaj. We take long drives with the windows rolled down and the sunroof open. We even play hide-and-go-seek together. 

Who else do you know besides your dog who will always be there for you, no matter what? Who is always there to snuggle you or keep you company? Whose day is made by you walking through the front door after you get home from work? Who is always there as a listening ear and will never judge or tell your secrets? Who understands that, sometimes, all you need is a shoulder to cry on? Who never turns down a late night walk through the neighborhood? Who is constantly happy to be around you? No one else, my friends, besides your own dog. That is Maggie. 

Maggie is eight, now, and I have decided that she is going to live forever because I cannot imagine my life without her. 

For those of you who have never owned a dog, you are missing out on a great happiness in life. I hope you change that, quickly. I promise, you will be happy about your decision, and you’ll get a bunch of likes on all your Instagrams of the dog #nofilter. Everyone deserves a dog, and every dog deserves someone to love and cherish them forever. I am truly grateful to have this with my one and only Mags.