For Christmas 2016, my family and I adopted the sweetest nine-week-old puppy. After being deprived of being a dog owner for 18 years, this was a dream come true. I realized very quickly the hardships and advantages of taking care of a puppy: from the sleepless nights to the potty training. However, the advantages of having a puppy outweighed the disadvantages 100:1. While I don't have a hundred reasons to get a puppy, I do have eleven, and they are pretty important.

1. Instant best friend.

2. They will encourage you to go on a run.

3. You cannot resist that face.

4. They are happy to see you, always.

5. They make excellent guards.

6. If they get lost, they will go to great lengths to find you.

7. There is never a dull moment with them.

8. Give you a chance to increase social interaction.

9. If you are stressed, petting a dog is a great stress reliever.

10. They will (literally) lick your tears away.

11. It is the best decision you will ever make.