All of my friends and family can tell you how obsessed I am with my pup Mason. Even random strangers who come through Wal-Mart, if you're buying anything remotely related to a dog you've probably heard about mine. About a month ago I made the decision to adopt a dog from an animal shelter. I won't lie and tell you it was love at first sight because honestly when I had originally gone to adopt it was for a completely different dog. After finding out she was already being adopted I decided to just take a look at the others. Mason jumped up on the gate as I walked by, and that's when I decided, that's the one.

Adopting a shelter dog can be a process. Reminding them that they're loved and wanted is incredibly important. Anyone who comes to my house can tell you I say the phrase "Who's a good dog? You're a good dog" about 50 times a day. He's not perfect by any means. He wakes me up at 4 a.m. to go to the bathroom. He gets into the trash and tries to fight my 100-pound German Shepard every now and then, but that comes with training a dog who has never really had a consistent home.

Although there is a lot of work, there is also a ton of reward. Coming home to a dog who is more excited than anything in the entire world just by your presence can definitely turn a rough day into a great one. Dogs are so loyal and will always be there for you when you've gotten into a fight with a friend, had a bad day at work, or just need someone to be there.

I urge those of you who are considering bringing a dog into your home to go to the shelter. Take a look around. Those puppies who were bred will still be sold. They'll have wonderful homes whether you get them or not, but these shelter guys have a lot slimmer chances, especially the senior dogs. Also, most dogs that come from a shelter are already spayed or neutered, which is so important; there are already so many dogs without homes. I promise you once you go in and hear all of the excited barking, because they know one of them may be going home today, you won't be able to leave without making one of them yours. Adopting Mason was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I know a ton of other adopters who say the same thing. So go out and find your furry friend; you won't regret it!