I grew up with all kinds of pets in my home. Dogs, cats, fish, turtles, I even had a guinea pig for a while, then two, then one again -- apparently they can be pretty territorial.

As I grew older and moved around a bit, it became harder and harder for me to have a dog until I eventually was left without one. The timing wasn't right, but I swore to myself that as soon as I was able to, I was going to adopt a dog, preferably a big one.

I searched high and low online at every possible adoption site and rescue agency until I found my perfect girl. I adopted Juno in late May of 2015. I was still in school, still working, still attempting to fool people into thinking I had a social life, and now had the responsibility of a dog on my hands.

The experience has taught me a lot. Having to take care of something other than yourself is eye opening, as your dog will rely on you for everything. And I mean everything. Initially this may not sound like a big deal, but as time passes you'll realize what kind of a commitment you've signed up for.

So a word of advice for all of you out there: don't get a dog if you're in college.

Here's the thing. My dog Juno requires two walks each day to burn off some of her energy and do her business. This means that for up to an hour each day I have to be outside getting fresh air and exercise with a companion that loves spending that time with me.

And they're social butterflies. Every where you go, people are going to come up to you and want to pet your dog and talk. As a sad, lonely, single introvert in his mid-20s this is terrible to try and manage.

Then there's the aspect of leaving them at home when you have work, school, or some other commitment. Leaving behind those big, sad eyes is one of the hardest things to do. Sometimes they win and then I'm stuck at home cuddling on the couch with a giant fluff ball. The guilt is practically unbearable.

On the off chance that you do make it out of the house without succumbing to those pleading dog eyes, you have to deal with them when you get home. They're always excited to see you, no matter how long you were gone. It's a guilt trip, but don't fall for it.

They'll be excessively excited and energized the moment you walk in the door, showering you with unconditional love and affection, almost as if to say, "You're back, I love you." It's an evolutionarily developed method of making you less likely to leave the next time.

And that love and companionship bleeds into every minute of every day. You will no longer have alone time. Even as I write this, Juno is lying right next to me, snoring like the beast she is, one leg kicking as if she's having a silly dream.

So if you've made it this far then you'll undoubtedly realize that dogs aren't worth the trouble, but if you're anything like me then you'll also realize that nothing sounds better.

Get a dog.