I guess we should start with the basics. I'll start by introducing myself. Hi, I'm Nicole Cooper. Nobody really calls me Nicole besides my boyfriend, and well my parents when their upset with me. So I guess you, reader, can call me Nikki, or Nik whichever you prefer. Here's a little about myself: hmm, well, for starters, I'm currently a sophomore in college. I attend the University of Houston (GO COOGS!). I'm a psychology major and a phronesis major; with hopes of attending law school.

I know what you're thinking; "Gross, law school?" "Why would you put yourself through all of that torture?"

Truth is, reader. I have no earthly idea. Well, no, I take that back. I do. I have a vague idea of why I would pick such a demanding profession and I could go on to tell you about that, but that's boring and with this being my first article, I definitely don't want to bore you. So, maybe I'll start off with a lighter topic that everyone can relate to: DOGS!

I know not everyone is a dog person. Some people are cat people, hamster people, turtle people, iguana people, hedgehog people and so on and so on. But me? I'm a dog person. I've always wanted a dog ever since I was a little girl but it was out of the question because of my mom's allergies - complete bummer. So, my dog adventure didn't really start until actually just recently, seven months ago, to be exact. My awesome boyfriend surprised me with a puppy for Valentines day! I almost died. It was like a dream come true. But yeah yeah I know what you're thinking.. Y'all share a dog together..? In college..? What if you guys break up..? How will you afford it..? How do you do it?! Below is a list of why you should share a dog with your partner in college! (Not recommended for everyone, obviously.)

1. It brings you two together as a couple.

I know this may not be the case for everyone but for my particular experience it has improved some of the aspects of my relationship. It gives us an endless amount of date ideas that we do not only do with each other but also with our dog! It has also taught both of us to be more patient with each other because raising a puppy between two college students who can barely take care of themselves is quite the task.

2. It's constant companionship.

Your dog is always down. Whether it be laying in bed all day and binge watching Netflix shows or getting outside and going on a walk. Your dog will follow you anywhere.

3. It teaches responsibility.

I'd like to say I'm pretty responsible but after having to raise a puppy which arguably could be equivalent to raising a child, I'm way more responsible. Anyone who's had a puppy knows that they are really cute at first but the biggest hand full. From potty training, to puppy proofing the house, to teething. It's like you have your own baby!

4. It teaches you to manage money.

So obviously it takes a lot of time to raise a puppy, but it also costs a fortune. Raising a dog with your partner just means that you get to go halfsies on everything! Vet visits, toys, dog food, dog day care.. Everything. Since the dog is half yours half theirs you two get to split the responsibility and money. Which makes having a puppy in college so affordable, considering we're just about all broke.

5. It brings you happiness.

I stand by this 100% that my dog makes me happy no matter the mood I'm in. Whether it was because I received a bad grade on an exam, spilling coffee on my shirt, getting into a fight with friends, anything.. Coming home to my dog just seems to make everything better. I promise you the best feeling in the world is coming home to your dog. Ask any dog person!