Throughout the almost 19 years that I’ve lived on this Earth, my immediate family has consisted of at least 7 members; me, my parents, my 3 sisters, and a dog. While we as a family have only owned 2 different dog breeds, rottweilers and a hound mix, we love all dogs, big and small. Our entire extended family is obsessed with dogs as well. Our cousins have owned chihuahuas, yellow labs, chocolate labs, boxers, jack russells, mutts, and more . At almost every family gathering there is at least one dog present and no one can resist giving them a big hug or scraps from the dinner table.

Obviously, I consider myself a dog person. I tell my friends when there is a dog on campus. I tell my mom about the cute puppies that I got to pet during distress sessions at the library. I even send my sisters pictures of dogs that I happen to run into. Why do I love dogs so much? Because they are not only man’s best friend, but they’re loyal, smart, loving, and so much more. Dogs are like people, but way better. They don’t get mad, annoyed, or act rude. They possess none of the negative personality traits that some people do.

As a dog owner, I can’t remember a time when I arrived home and my dog wasn’t waiting for me at the door or excitedly barking at me from the front window. The butt-wiggling happiness that happens when dog owners come home is an everyday experience for them and is sometimes the highlight of their day. Also, no matter how long someone's been out of the house, they’ll always be greeted like they’ve been gone for months. This boundless love and happiness radiates from every dog and is the biggest reason why dogs make the best pets.

Dogs are sweet, gentle, and loving. They bring a light into the lives of everyone they meet and ask for nothing in return. They don’t need anything more than a warm home and a family that loves them. What more can you ask for in the perfect pet?