I never quite understood people’s obsession with these four-legged furry animals until one captured my heart. Now that he has, I can’t imagine my life without my pup, and now I am one of those obsessed dog-owners. The following are reasons why I love my dog, and quite honestly why he has become one of my best friends:

1. He gives me the best "welcome home”

Whether I’ve been gone for 2 weeks or for 2 hours, he always greets me exactly the same. He is often moved to a puppy-whimper cry from the pure joy he has when I come through the door. If that doesn’t make you feel loved, I don’t know what does.

2. He motivates me to want to work out

As soon as I reach for the leash, the tail instantly starts wagging and that puppy-smile soon appears. He loves going for walks about as much as I love ice cream, so I have to take him on a walk at least once a day. We’ve upgraded to runs, and I must say, he’s the best workout buddy I’ve ever had.

3. He’s the best listener to my vent sessions

I know I’m safe when I vent to him. No gossip is going to be spread and he won’t go and stab me in the back. I really feel like he listens to my rants and genuinely cares (as long as he gets rewarded by a nice belly-rub or a spoonful of peanut butter).

4. When he’s around, I don’t need to get out the broom

Whether I’m pouring cereal and a couple flags miss the bowl, or if my glass of milk spills onto the kitchen floor, he is my best cleaning product. It’s like having one of those robot-sweepers, and it’s as much of a reward to him as it is to me.

5. He always wants to be around me, even in my bad moods

He doesn’t avoid me when I’m a little more sensitive than usual. Actually, he seems to be on his best behavior when I’m upset. He just lays his head on my lap and lets me know that he’s there.

6. You never have to be worried about awkward silences

Interacting with other human beings can be exhausting. You feel like you have to be making conversation the entire time you’re together. Dogs don’t have awkward silences. In fact, my pup is my favorite one to sit with in the silence.

7. He’s better than any iPhone alarm

You never have to be worried about your alarm not going off. Your boy has got your back.

8. He will never, ever make you cry

Sure, I get frustrated when he pees on the carpet or chews my favorite slipper, but it is 100% reassuring to know that this pup isn’t capable of emotionally damaging me.

9. He will always love you more than he loves himself

No matter what you do or where you go in life, you will always be his favorite person.

Though you don’t have social media and you’ll never know how truly thankful I am for you, I thank my puppy for showing me what it looks like to love with your whole heart.