It has been scientifically proven that having a dog can seriously reduce stress and anxiety brought on by life. And in college, let's face it, our whole life is built around stress management. Other than being super cute and always down to cuddle, we have a lot to thank our four-legged best friends for. Here's a list of just a few:

1. For always being there.

Seriously, he can't just up and leave home without you, so he is literally always there. Which comes in handy on those bad days that just seem to never end.

2. For always being excited to see you.

Dogs are the best at showing their emotions, and it always hits me right in the feels every time my dog perks up at the sound of my key in the door. Every time he wags his tail when I open the door. Every time he jumps towards me when I finally walk inside.

3. For always being down to cuddle.

Even when you're trying to do some homework, he will make sure that you don't work too hard (essentially by annoying you until you pay him some well-deserved attention). And he's always excited for bedtime, even though you sometimes dread it.

4. For always being down for a walk.

The freshman fifteen is not a myth, and it happens to the best of us. Luckily, your best friend is always ready to go for a nice, long walk, even in the middle of the summer in Alabama. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, they always say, right?

5. For being, at times, even weirder than you.

At least you're not alone in your weirdness. And at least your dog won't judge you if you don't like your food touching.

6. For loving food as much as you do.

I know I can't be the only one who gets extremely excited when I see my food coming at a restaurant, and your pup has the same excitement when he hears the sound of his treat container being opened.

7. For always loving you the most.

Dogs make it look so easy to have a number one priority, and I promise you: you are your dogs. He can sense when you don't feel good, and he always knows what to do to try and make you feel better.

I hope you go home today and give your sweet pup some much-deserved love and affection. Here's a sweet pic of my four-legged best friend! (He's so photogenic right?) Enjoy!