Being away at college has given me new found appreciation for having a dog as a pet. My dog is on the top of list of things I miss about home. I’m sure that goes for a lot of college kids. It makes your day when you see a dog on campus. You just want to go pet it and hug it. Dogs are probably the best animal to have ever roamed the earth (I apologize to all you cat people out there). But, I have 14 reasons to prove it.

1. They are loyal.

They are always there to greet you when you come home no matter how long you have been away. It’s always nice to have someone that’s excited that you’ve returned home.

2. They are quick to forgive.

They’ll never hold a grudge. No matter how angry you can be at your dog when you are ready to move on, so are they.

3. Always ready to play.

Whether it’s three o’clock in the morning or two o’clock in the afternoon, they are willing to play with you.

4. They’re trustworthy.

They are always someone to talk to. They are always ready to listen. You can tell them absolutely anything, and you know it won’t go anywhere else.

5. They are the best cuddle buddies.

More than any boyfriend/girlfriend ever could. They’ll keep you warm, too.

6. They protect you.

The moment there is a knock on the door or they see a bird on the front porch, they do their absolute best to protect you from any harm that may come across you.

7. They never judge.

You can do whatever you want in front of them because like a true friend, they don’t judge. So go ahead and eat that last tenth slice of pizza. They won’t care—well, maybe if you don’t share.

8. They appreciate your existence.

More than anything a dog just loves that you are around. That is why they follow you everywhere around the house and always willing to go in the car with you on trips.

9. They are always happy.

Dogs always have a smile on their face (unless you're giving them a bath).

10. And continuing with that…they always want to make you happy.

Dogs have the ability to turn any frown upside down. All they want in life is for you to be happy and they aren’t happy if you’re not happy.

11. They help you clean up your messes.

Any time that you drop some food on the floor, they are quick to help you pick it up before you even have the chance.

12. They improve your health.

Petting a dog has been known to lower blood pressure and relieve stress. This is why puppy therapy is popular among stressed out college students and people who have anxiety. They also have the ability to detect cancer with their keen sense of smell.

13. They are helpful.

Not only do they eat the food that you’ve dropped on the floor, but dogs can be trained to help impaired people stay mobile and more independent.

14. They have unconditional love for you.

Dogs will always love you no matter what.