When thinking of dogs, most animal lovers imagine adopting a little pup, taking the innocent puppy home, and then showering the little ball of fur with an everlasting love.

When first meeting you, I thought that this is what our relationship would be like. You looked like a peaceful, fun-loving ball of fur. At a meager eight weeks old, your now-brown fur was then dominated by black. Once maintaining your balance, you only came up to the bottom of my calves. Your small stature made you take ten steps for my two.

But after feeling that first gnaw on my new sandals with your newly grown teeth, I knew that owning you would turn my stagnant life upside down.

You weren't the generic dog. You were energetic, stubborn, aggressive, and, most of all, just plain crazy. Even after having you in the household for four years, I could never tell what would happen next. If you weren't eating a rock, you were either putting your paws on my legs or running laps in the living room.

Just when I thought that all hope of having a loving, family pet was lost, I saw another side of you junior year. Simply put, junior year was my downfall. With my anxiety at its peak, I had countless crying spells late at night.

No matter how dazed or sleepy you were, you'd always walk over to me and comfort me. Whether it was with rolling on your back for a tummy rub or simply lying at my side, you protected me through the best and the worst. You understood what couldn't be communicated with words.

Your being gave me strength and positivity every school day. Opening the front door to your love-filled attacks always meant that another treacherous day of school had been conquered. I loved you, and you loved me.

Despite the rough housing, accidental bite marks, chewed up papers, and obnoxious barking, I could never ask for anything more than your cheerful greetings and support every time I come home. Having a dog like you is a dream come true.