We've all heard the phrase "man's best friend," indicating the love, loyalty, and companionship dogs display toward us humans. Now some people may prefer cats to dogs, but there is no denying by any means that a dog is a man's best friend.

About 44% of all households currently have dogs. Most likely, these owners had dogs as children or always desired one. It also means that thousands among thousands cherish the love their dog brings to them, understanding that this a love that cannot be replaced.

For myself, my dog is my best friend. I have a bias to German Shepherd's, and I will tell anyone that my beautiful Liberty, who we adopted, is better than the rest. Shepard's display a loyalty like no other, and Liberty is no different. From the moment I got her, we bonded together. She follows me everywhere, she cuddles with me at night. She protects me from others, she licks my face when I cry, she keeps my secrets, she is excited to see me every time I come home from college because she misses me like crazy, and she has never ever let me down.

You see, the bond between us is great because it isn't between people. It's because she understands how to love, how to protect, how to love me unconditionally and ask only for my affection in return. Dogs are protectors, they will be there if you ever let your guard down, and they will always catch you when you fall. And even if you fail in life, they will always see you as the biggest achiever. And when you cry, they will catch the tears, cry with you, and help you pick yourself back up with their caring, everlasting nature. They will make you laugh, and teach you what it truly takes to love someone unconditionally.

Yes, I say someone. In my eyes, man's best friend has a soul. They aren't just an animal. They are part of a family, they are a person, they have a personality all their own, and they are part of us, just like any one person can be a part of us. And when people can't see that, it is quite sad, because they mean something more. And no, they can't make things or speak, but they understand something better than we do: how to love, how to love fiercely with a passionate devotion.

Man's best friend I would choose over any man. My Liberty has been my best friend since I was 12 years old. And I'm sure to anyone reading you are thinking about your best friend, either the one you had the privilege of having or the one that you still do. We will always remember the special ones who have passed on, because those bonds, those memories, that love, it lasts forever. And when you find it, like anything else, hold onto it, because while that love lasts forever, everything and everyone has its day.