I think it's safe to say that most of us have a soft spot in our hearts for animals on this earth. Specific ones of course. There was one animal that entered my life that really impacted my childhood/teenage years. When I was around middle school age, my family really wanted a dog. I will never forget how we sat down together as a family and prayed for God to give us this amazing gift. The very next day was when Halley decided to claw at our door. So, we decided to take her in as our own and I am so glad that we did.

1. My dog made me feel wanted.

Growing up I seemed to struggle with self-esteem a little bit. Most young girls do. My favorite part about having a dog was all the instant reassurance she would give me. Whether it was the enthusiastic greeting she had for me whenever I would walk through the door after a long day, or the smile she had on her face when I would look at her. (I'm not crazy, my dog could smile) All she knew was how much she loved us. And all she saw was the good that's in us as people. This is something I still carry with me throughout my life and makes me better as a human being.

2. My dog taught me how to love.

When I say this, I don't necessarily mean love people that I should love. Like my family and friends. I mean loving people that I might have trouble loving. In a way, my dog has taught me how to look at the world differently. To look at people in a new lens. Which, to me, means to look at people as more than just another human on this earth. To, instead not overlook the fact that they have a story of their own. This is getting deep, I know, but it's all true, trust me. I want to be the kind of person that skips around this world looking forward to the next day with confidence and loving the fact that I get the chance to live a life in general. Kind of like an innocent animal.

3. My dog taught me how to not take things for granted.

This was something that didn't impact me until after she left us. Halley's time with my family and I was so precious. It was short, but she definitely did not take that time for granted. Since then, I have done my absolute best to make the most of each day. If you have a pet that comes to your mind after reading this, take the time to appreciate them! Their time on the planet goes by quicker than you would expect. Thank you, God for this incredible blessing.