Dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, birds, snakes, all animals that people seem to love having as his or her pet. Whether you grew up with a family pet that quickly became the center of your world or if you’re buying an animal for the first time, we all need a pet in our life.

1. Excitement

I personally always had a dog in my house growing up. Now, in college, I am lucky enough to have that same companionship. Although every day with my dog is an adventure, I had come to realize that the excitement she puts in every hour of my day is irreplaceable. From being stretched out across my bed one second to running up and down the stairs the next I have never experienced so much energy and excitement in one little body.

Having a one-year-old puppy is truly the equivalent of having a 7-year-old child. They just don’t stop! Growing up I was also that person who was constantly around hamsters, snakes, rabbits, and horses. It was basically like living in a domestic zoo. The excitement my hamster got when we placed him in his little plastic ball to run around the house was amazing. Again, I found myself with another animal that literally would not stop.

2. Responsibility

Responsibility sounds like a horrible, boring word, I know. Having a pet in your life makes responsibility a lot more rewarding though. My dog has taught me what it is like to have someone or something rely on you for almost everything that they experience throughout their day. Not only do I have to feed her, give her water, and let her out consistently, it is also my daily job to entertain her.

Although most of the time I find that she seems to be entertaining me. The life lessons that I’ve learned from having my black Lab pup have been so much more enjoyable because she’s teaching me them. I’ve also quickly learned to clean up my room and pick up my shoes - something my parents are very happy about.

3. Love

Love. The true reason we all want an animal in our life. I can honestly say I have never felt more loved than the moment where I walk inside and my puppy completely freaks out because “Oh my gosh. Mom is home”.

Shiloh’s whole body shakes and it seems that she believes I’ve been gone for at least two days. When I was younger my hamster would climb the side of his cage when you came close to him and he would nuzzle you as soon as you took him out. My horse seemed to show me love by bringing me the hay that she had been snacking on or by simply following me around the barn to see what it was that I was so busy with.

The love that an animal brings to your life is absolutely incredible and I can honestly say that it is totally worth it. The potty training, the baths, the cleaning of cages or stalls, all these responsibilities that come with having an animal in your life simply fade away when you come home and feel the love you have for them.