Ever since I got my own dog in 2013 he has been my best friend. It's hard to believe that he has been in my life for almost four years because it feels like I've had him since I was born. What non pet people don't understand is that they're your family and they are there for you every minute of every day. I remember the day I got my dog, Leroy, he was the quietest, smallest and cutest puppy I have ever seen in my life. I spent days trying to convince my parents to let me get him, since he was our third dog. My mom had agreed but my dad was still on the fence. After a half agreement type answer from him I picked him up the next day. Dogs and pets in general serve a large part of our lives and are truly the greatest things we could ask for. So thank you Leroy, for being more than just a dog.

1. Thank you for always making me smile.

It doesn't matter if it was the best day or the worst day, when I get home and see you I automatically smile. Even if you're too lazy to get out of bed to greet me, the wagging of your tails lets me know you're glad to see me.

2. Thank you for helping me justify my lazy days.

When I have those days that I just don't feel like getting out of bed, you lay there and let me know it's okay. Actually, you lay on my legs so I can't get up even if I try and I use that as an excuse.

3. Thank you for being my protector (or at least trying to be).

You're terrified of your own shadow and shake like a leaf whenever a car pulls up the driveway but you try. You bark and howl like you're intimidating and I would like to think that in the moment you would save me if you needed to.

4. Thank you for being my favorite topic of conversation.

"Have you seen my dog?" "One time, my dog and I..." "My dog is my favorite thing in the whole world." "I love my dog."

5. Thank you for being my puppy.

Out of all the other people in the world I ended up being the one that can call herself your owner. Somehow we found our way to each other and for that I will always be grateful.