I’m in my first year of college, which is very much lacking in the dog category. I spend a lot of time thinking about them. Here’s a couple of things I've come to appreciate about Man's Best Friend:

1. Their sunny disposition

They’re the OG optimist. Is their bowl half-full or half-empty? Who cares? They’re going to eat everything anyway, because they are all about living life to the fullest. Everyday is the best day ever.

2. Their ears

The floppiness. The way they perk up when ya' puppy is excited. The way they really just frame the already beautiful face of a pup.

3. Their faith in us

My personal philosophy is “be the person your dogs thinks you are,” because as far as dogs know, you are in fact the center of the universe. This is a high expectation, but if you live your life by this philosophy, you’re probably an awesome person.

4. The little sound of contentment they make when you rub their bellies

On a scale of one to 10, I give this little sigh a reasonable score of infinity. The whole “there is always room for improvement” thing doesn’t really apply to dogs because they are flawless.

5. Paws

Sometimes when my pup (a Scottie) and I are cuddled up watching the latest episode of "Magnum P.I.," we hold hands. Let me tell you that there are few hand holds better than with a dog. So soft, so furry, so warm, so… perfect.

6. The way they trot everywhere

I dream of the day when my house is full of the pitter-patter of little feet. That’s right — dogs everywhere. Watching a puppy bounce around on tiny little feet is truly a rewarding experience.

7. They can save lives

I’m a lifeguard and nursing student, so I’ve got mad respect for this. Dogs were on site helping find survivors and bodies after 9/11; they live in mountainous regions and help ski patrol find skiers and snowboarders in the snow. Pretty cool stuff from pretty cool creatures.

8. The loyalty is on par with the best of all the Hufflepuffs

Wolves travel in packs — dogs descended from wolves, so when we domesticated these majestic animals, we became their pack. Its all the fun of being in a gang without any of the hardships, like war or stereotypes.

9. Anytime they mess up, they’re the first to apologize with some kisses and cuddles

Once my dog, Max, snapped at me and gave me a welt on the side of my face. He then spent the rest of the night licking my face and cuddling up to me. He felt so much worse about it than I did, and I got some puppy love out of it. So, really, it was just reinforcement of how great dogs are.

10. Kisses and cuddles

Needs no explanation.

11. Pups never turn their nose up to anything

What’s that? The fat and burnt parts of your steak? Delicious! Vegetables under the cover of the dinner table? Delectable! Some really hard homework? Don’t mind if I do.

12. No judging

Dogs will never judge you for that time you wore your shirt inside out or when you forgot to wear a bra for a couple days straight. It doesn’t matter if you are hungover, sick or just plain weird. Not only do dogs love you, they embrace you.

13. Literally everything

Whether a dog is old or young, fat or skinny, purebred or mutt, it is an amazing little vessel of love and perfection. They are too pure for this world but I wouldn’t give them up for anything.