I have loved animals since I was a child. The majority of my family members have always had dogs or cats, and in some case horses, that I always seemed to bond with. I have spent my entire life having a family dog to play with, and I can't imagine living life without one. During the fall of 2015, my current roommate and I signed a lease for an off-campus apartment for the 2016-2017 academic year. A few months later, we began to discuss the possibility of getting a dog.

SEE ALSO: I'm A Dog Lover, But Please Don't Pass Off Your Pet As A Service Dog

It wasn't a spontaneous decision. I didn't show up at a pet store or backyard breeder with cash in hand to pick out a puppy. I knew what I wanted and I knew what would go into raising a pup. After much research, I decided on a Labrador Retriever, more specifically a silver lab.

I trusted the people expecting and raising the litter because I trusted the people who recommended them. The plan came together perfectly. The puppy would be ready to come home the week after we were released for summer break, giving me the entire summer to get through the multiple bathroom breaks and sleepless nights. More importantly, it gave me a chance to focus on the puppy while not trying to focus on school.

It has been one year since I brought home my furry child. I have never regretted the day I purchased him, and I never will. I will never feel bad about my purchase because my dog, Cooper, has brought more joy and laughs to my life in the last year than I could ever explain. He greets me when I come home from class like he hasn't seen me in months. Every day, he seems to bring another laugh, another Snapchat story, and another memory to my roommate and I.

I have received some criticism for choosing to purchase my pup instead of adopting. I am not against adopting a dog in any way. Not all people who choose to buy think they are too good for a shelter dog. I am not the person who bought a dog knowing I was unable to care for it. I am not the one who decided to buy a dog because I could, or because I wanted to be THAT student on campus with the pretty dog. People like me gave a puppy a home, donate to local shelters when they need supplies, and love all animals.

I love my dog as though he is my child. He has become my companion, my roommate's companion, and a member of my family. I know shelter dogs need homes, but I also know that all dogs need homes no matter where they came from.

I will never feel bad for buying my dog, no matter what criticism is thrown my way.