Syllabus week has come and gone on campuses across the nation. Students have settled into their dorms and school schedules, and hit the books. For many of them, it's their first time living away from home, and all of its amenities: home-cooked meals, showering without shoes, and most importantly, pets.
Our pets, specifically our dogs, are always there for us. They offer their fuzzy heads to scratch when we're stressed, they make us laugh with their antics and curiosity, and they're often our quiet protectors, regularly looking out for us.
Now that I'm at school, I miss my yellow Labrador so much. For those who are also suffering from dog-sickness (rather than homesickness), below I've rounded up the 10 cutest and most adorable* dog and puppy GIFs to fill that aching hole in your heart.
1. How adorable is this mom and pup pair? I can't get over how cute they are together. Look how proud mom looks as her baby adventures into the water. The best part may just be the puppy's leap of faith, though. Precious.
2. This fuzz muffin and his little legs. He can't just seem to make it. Maybe in a couple weeks he'll be able to accomplish his ultimate goal and become the best Coffee Table Leaper in the house. We love you, little plush puppy.
3. Dogs are hysterical. Case in point, the bafflement of this sweet baby. You can't help but smile at his confusion. I dare you not to.
4. How precious is this little guy? Not only does he end up in a blanket burrito, but he does it himself! Now that's happiness even Chipotle can't top.
5. I can't get over how cute these three puppies are. I could watch them yawn sequentially all day long. Then cuddle up with them and take the most adorable nap of all time.
6. THEY'RE COMING! QUICK THEY'RE COMING! AHHHH THE CUTENESS!
7. Look how happy this pup is to see us, before oops, gravity takes him away. I would slide down so fast to play with him and his sweet face.
8. One of the best things about puppies is how inherently curious they are about mundane objects. This pup demonstrates the steps to conquer the doorstop: paw at it fiercely, release, and bark in dominance.
9. Below we see another brave soul attempting to overcome the great doorstop. I can't get over his excitement and then subdued curiosity. Too cute.
10. What's cuter? A litter of adorable puppies? Puppies in the snow? A mom playing with her babies? The world may never know.
*These GIFs were by no means selected in a scientific way and are not ranked in any particular order. They were chosen out on my own enjoyment, and frankly my bias towards Labs and golden retrievers.*