Friends come and go, but dogs are forever. Coming home to wagging tails and kisses is the best part of every day. My dog is my absolute best friend, and I could go on for days listing all the reasons why.

1. Dogs are great listeners. From school worries to passing hard exams and good or bad days at work, who doesn't need a good venting session sometimes? And who better to vent to than my dog? They never complain or tell me to give it a rest, and they are some of the most compassionate animals on the planet.

2. A good laugh is never hard to find. I can’t think of a better way to brighten my mood or turn a bad day around than my goofy dog making a crazy facial expression or falling off of the couch while sleeping to give me a good laugh. I am a firm believer that watching a fully grown chocolate lab chase her tail is one of the greatest sights anyone can enjoy.

3. They are wonderful vacuums. Extra ice cream or French fries are never a problem with a furry friend. Late night food runs or trips to the fridge are never alone, and what’s better than seeing a puppy get excited over an ice cream cone?

4. Dogs’ loyalty compares to no other. While the mailman, squirrels, or simply a bird may not be the most life threatening things, nothing says love and loyalty like my dog trying to forever save me from these “terrifying” monsters. I know I never have to worry about my safety with my “security” alerting me of even the wind blowing the wrong way.

5. They are the ultimate snuggle buddies. Cold winter nights are the worst when you have a big bed all to yourself. The best remedy is a furry friend to snuggle at your feet(or in my case, across half of my pillows) to warm up the longest nights. Most nights, Netflix marathons together are included in the snuggle fest.

6. Dogs are second, only to mom, at being the best care takers. Dogs are amazing at telling when you are not feeling good or coming down with an illness, and I firmly believe I get better 100 percent faster when my sweet dog is cuddled up trying to help me feel better.

7. Never do they ever talk back. Unless we’re talking treats, dogs almost never talk back. They never have anything to say about my crazy ideas or horrible singing, and when I say no, usually a sad look is the only argument I get.

Through thick and thin, my dog has always been there. Her love never wavers, and she never fails to give me a kiss or a sassy look when I need a pick me up. College is hard without her, but even from hours away she's my number one and my best friend.