Canines are known for being "man's best friend". Ever since I got my dog, I realized that this saying is one hundred percent accurate. When I first got my dog, I was in my freshman year of high school on Christmas break. My step-sisters and I had been begging our parents for a dog for years. When our parents told us to stay out of their room for a little bit because they had a surprise, we knew something was up. All I remember is waiting for a little bit and one of us saying that no gift would make a difference unless it was a dog. Suddenly a little puppy with a jingle bell around his neck was running around in our house. We were in shock and awe, I knew when I first saw him that he'd be my best friend.
From then on, the memories continued. From the simple things of napping together or throwing his ball for him to the bigger things in life like struggling with school or my dad's relationship ending. Even though he doesn't have the ability to talk, I know that my dog is always there for me and, to be honest, is more reliable than most people in my life.
All the times he'd sit on my lap and get irritated when I moved or when he somehow knew I was sad or sick and snuggled with me, proved that my dog would do whatever he could to help improve my mood. And it helped, immensely, just to have him there with me whenever I needed him.
Even when I'm away at college, I always have one or two pictures of him in my room, including some funny selfies that I've taken with him. My dad and I also FaceTime on occasion and he will point the camera towards my dog, just to let me know he is there.
I'll also various photos while I'm away as well, saying how much he's missed me, what he's up to, or even him stealing my spot on the couch because he knows that's where I sit and that I'm gone.
I think one of the most exciting things to see is when a friend comes over to my house and my dog is there. All he will do is run around like crazy and as soon as the new person sits down, he'll sit on their lap and lick their face. Most importantly, it's nice to see my dog get along with, and seemingly supporting, my friendships.
No matter what happens in my life, I know that my dog will always be there for me, especially if there is an adventure or car ride involved. There are no words to describe how much I adore him and how great of a friend and support system he has been in my life. He will always be part of the family, my little furry brother, and nothing could ever replace that. The love that one has for their dog is immense and there's nothing else like that on the planet. Having my dog as my best friend, I now realize that nothing could substitute the love he has given me.
