We’ve all heard the saying “A dog is a man’s best friend." If you have had or have a dog right now, you know that this couldn’t be more true.

I used to be terrified of dogs. Yorkshire Terrier or Doberman Pinscher, it didn't matter. I wouldn't let them near me. However, weirdly enough, I wanted a dog all my life. I would see other people have dogs, walking them and putting cute sweaters on them and it would warm my heart. But then I would cross the street to the other side because I was terrified of the dog. My parents never grew up having dogs around and I never grew up with any pets. I begged and begged my parents to buy a dog and after what seemed like a century, they agreed to look. Not buy, but look for one. In the meantime, I took i upon myself to prove that I could take care of living things. First, I bought a fish, a beta fish to be exact. They are supposed to live for 10 years but mine died after three. Then, I got a hamster named Jasper and the poor guy lasted about the same time. I was learning responsibility, and my parents left it up to me to take care of these animals. I failed. But I learned.

I researched dog breeds like it was my full-time job. We agreed to buy a small dog even though at first, I wanted to buy a Kromfohrlander, a rare-breed dog only available in Germany. What can I say? I have high standards! Nonetheless, I came across a breed called Havanese and in August of 2009, my family and I drove to Connecticut to a Havanese breeder.

Keep in mind, I was still terrified of dogs.

When we walked into the breeder’s home, dozens of dogs came rushing over with wagging tails to greet us. I wish someone had recorded my expression because I had never been more scared in my life. The dogs calmed down a bit and the breeder told us that at the moment, there weren't any Havanese puppies available but there was a Coton De Tulear puppy available. In the corner of the room, there were two tiny, moving cotton balls quietly playing. When we approached them, one of them walked over to us and started licking our feet. She wasn't for sale. The other just minded her business until the breeder picked her up and gave her to me to hold. Me. The one terrified but I had to compose myself and I held the little pup in my hands. She didn't do much, sort of just looked around, probably frustrated that we were interrupting her and her sister from playing. We came back the following weekend and got her. She never barked either of the times we were at the breeder; the first time she barked was on the drive home when we stopped at a toll booth.

It was weird when we brought her home because neither me nor my family members knew what to do. We left her on the first floor in kennel while everyone else was on the third floor. Nobody got any sleep that night because she decided to tell us just how not okay it was for us to leave her alone two floors below us. With her, we learn quickly, and she teaches us well.

Flashforward seven and a half years later and what seemed solely to be a companion was in fact an addition to the family. I spoil her a lot, I wont lie. But she has to take selfies with me as a result. She has an incredible sweater selection as well as coats for when she needs the extra layer. She gets her own seat at Thanksgiving. She goes to T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Depot, really anywhere I can sneak her in because even if the place has a no dog policy, she’s the star of the show there. We can’t go into a store for more than five minutes without someone approaching her and asking her name, breed and if they can pet her.

Now, some people don’t understand just how wonderful it can be to have a dog. Some people can’t grasp why dog owners put sweaters on their dogs. They think it’s weird. Well, I’ll give you two reasons: Sophie weighs a whopping nine and a half pounds so she gets cold, and she looks too damn good in pink for her not to wear them. But in all seriousness, Sophie is there whenever you need her.

I read this quote once that will really resonate with you if you are a dog owner and it goes something like this: “To you, your dog is only part of your life but to your dog, you are their whole life."

I think it’s important to really understand that statement because your dog constantly looks at you for approval and for your love and care. Not everyone should be dog owners and we all have heard of instances where that is crystal clear. Treat your dog, or any pet, with love and care and with the dignity that they deserve. I have no idea what we have done to deserve dogs.