I’m not even going to lie… my dog is my best friend. Dogs, in general, are just my favorite things in the world! I never really had a pet that was in my house growing up — we had fish, but you can’t cuddle with a fish! I raised sheep for the fair for seven summers, and they were the best summers and experiences I have ever had in my life. My sheep were just like dogs, though. I cuddled with them; they put their head in my lap and everything.

My family got a dog in 2013, during my senior year in high school. We got him when he was six weeks old and named him Oliver. I had always wanted a dog named Oliver... I just thought it was the cutest name for a puppy. He was, and still is, the sweetest animal in the whole entire world. I can’t even explain how much energy he has, it’s unreal!

I have battled many demons within myself and in my head. I’ll always remember one night when I was crying so hard I almost couldn’t breathe, and Oliver got up so fast, climbed onto my chest, and just licked my face. I wish I could know what was going on in his head, but it made me feel so good. I felt like he was trying his best to make me feel better, and that’s why I say he’s my favorite! I don’t know what I did to deserve to have such a wonderful puppy in my life. He’s pretty much a person, and acts very much like one too :)

I hope I don’t come across as one of those crazy people obsessed with dogs. Well, honestly even if I do, is it really that bad of a thing to be obsessed with? I don’t know, everyone has their own opinions and some people love dogs and other animals, while other people can’t stand the thought of being in the same room as them. (The latter I will never be able to understand!)

Seriously look at that face! I never had a dog growing up, but now I say a dog is a girl’s best friend! He knows when I’m happy, when I’m sad and struggling, and when I just want to lay down and sleep.

I experience a lot of anxiety each day, in many areas of my life, and Oliver is one of the best to make me feel better! I just have the best combination of support systems – my best friends, my family, my boyfriend, and Oliver J.

I only live in Lewiston during the school year, and it is one of the hardest things to leave him at home! It’s the worst goodbye! Please don’t think I’m ridiculous, though. I’m sure a lot of you have a pet at home that you miss more than anything. I live in a residence hall at LCSC where there are no pets allowed, so I can’t even sneak him in my backpack and bring him to school when I feel the temptation to do that!

MY DOG IS ONE OF MY VERY BEST FRIENDS AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!