“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself," Josh Billings

How many times have you thought you could count on someone and they ended up not being there for you? That's happened to me countless times. However, how many times have you found someone you can count on to be there for you 24/7, 365 days a year? I found one of mine five years ago. His name is Bentley. He has the most beautiful brown hair, and the cutest nose. Oh, he also has four legs and a tail.

Yup, Bentley is my chocolate lab puppy. I say puppy because he'll always be my big baby.

Some people might think, “How can your dog be your best friend? He can't even talk.” Exactly. Who better to vent to and tell all your secrets than to someone who can't tell anyone else?

Anytime I needed a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to, or just needed a cuddle session; he was always there for me. Dogs can feel your emotions too and can tell when something is wrong. Not only can they tell your mood, you don't even have to call for them when you get home because they always meet you at the door, no matter what time. Bentley knows the sound of my car, and every time I come home, he's always right there at the door waiting for me with a toy and a wagging tail. Then when I am home, he follows me around like... well, like a puppy dog.

Not to mention dogs are very loyal animals.

I wish I could take Bentley everywhere with me so I'd never have to miss him. Just this past week I went on vacation with my family to visit some other family, but one very important family members missing. I started missing Bentley the minute we pulled out of the driveway because, as always, he was standing in the window giving me watching us drive away. So naturally on the way home I began to become more excited to get home and see him, because I love the joy he gets in his eyes and wagging tail when I get home.

My dog is also the only person I know who looks at like me like his heart is breaking every time I leave without him. I'll walk to the door and he’ll follow me with his head dropped and he just quietly sits in front of me at the door. I mean come on, that even breaks my heart now writing this.

By the way, yes I do say person because he's not just a dog to me, and he never will be. He will forever and always be one of the most important people to me.

But, don't we all want someone like that? A best friend who thinks so highly of you and loves you unconditionally? Dogs really are a woman's best friend. I've gotten in plenty of fights with my best friends, but I've never gotten in one with my dog. Unless he's getting in trouble for doing something he shouldn't like eating the garbage. I've also gained some best friends along the way and lost some, but my dog is one whose never left.

If you've never owned a dog, then I'm sorry you've never had this opportunity. If you've never seen your dog as your best friend, please always remember that he might only be a dog to you, but to him you are his whole life.

I'm proud to say my dog is one of my best friends and I love him very much.