If you're a dog lover, like me, you've probably thought about getting a dog of your own. Being in college, there are many questions about where you can get one, how you'll take care of it, and, ultimately, persuading your parents that you are mature enough for this responsibility. Personally, my parents do not want me getting a dog while I'm in college, and I struggle with this every day.

I'm writing this list because I believe that there are so many reasons why having a dog in college is beneficial. So, Mom and Dad, if you're reading this, Christmas is right around the corner (wink, wink).

1. Responsibility

Owning a dog teaches you responsibility, as you must commit yourself to taking care of a life other than your own. You have to gain a sense of time management and learn how to spend your money wisely. I understand that it may sound overwhelming to some people, but it teaches us to be more accountable for our own actions, along with the health and happiness of another living being. It even prepares us for adulthood for when we have a family of our own in the future. Dogs depend on us for so many things, and I know that I can be mature enough to fulfill these obligations to make my dog happy.

2. Companionship

Dogs can be your best friend. They're there for you when you need someone to talk to, cuddle with you when you're sad, and can make even your worst days better. They're happy to see you when you walk through the door and love you unconditionally. They don't call them "man's best friend" for nothing.

3. Exercise

Instead of lying in bed all day watching Netflix, you have to get up and be active with your dog. I definitely need a reason to go outside, and even just taking your dog for a walk is a great way to take care of your own health, along with your dog. There are many dog parks around college towns, and many other puppies that they can play with!

4. Stress relief

Have you ever been to campus during finals week and gotten to pet the stress relief dogs? You should! There are so many different studies of how dogs increase hormones that reduce your level of stress, and college kids definitely need that. Just having a dog to pet or cuddle can make your day turn around completely (and also lower your blood pressure). If you don't believe me, "do your Googles."

5. Never alone

Personally, I struggle with loneliness from time to time. I despise being alone constantly. When there's nobody around, you could have a dog to just be there with you. No, they can't talk (that would be awesome though) but just having them in your company makes you feel not so alone anymore. You have companionship all day, every day.

6. Cuddles

One of my favorite possible benefits of owning a dog is always having someone to cuddle. Having a warm, fluffy dog instead of a member of the opposite sex for a cuddle buddy sounds like a great deal to me.

7. Always there to make you smile

Having a bad day? You have a dog to put a smile on your face with his cute, little paws, the way his tongue sticks out of his mouth, or by winking at you. A dog will always be there to make you laugh and put you in a better mood.

8. Dogs need loving homes

Adopting a dog is such a passion of mine. Dogs that are in the animal shelter can come from abusive homes or no home at all. I believe it is so important and special to adopt a dog and create a better life for him. They can learn to trust their owner again and have the loving home that they deserve.

9. Worth every penny

One of the main issues for getting a dog is money, of course. No, I don't have a paying job, but I would gladly use my pizza or Chick-fil-a money to spend on my dog. I would learn how to manage my money better so that I can provide for him. I believe that no amount of money compares to the joy and memories that a dog would bring to your life.

10. Safety

Dogs provide a sense of safety when they're around. Even if you own a small dog, their barking could possibly protect you from anyone trying to break in to your home or harm you. Your dog loves you and would never let anything bad happen to you.

11. Someone to take care of

I personally love taking care of people. Sometimes I even pursued relationships just so that I could have someone to watch over (weird, right?). Just knowing that you have a dog to feed or give a bath to just makes you feel good. You gain a sense of accomplishment by being responsible for taking care of your pup.

12. You are his world

You are his person. Even though you may have other people in your life, he just has you. He looks up to you to take care of him and show him love daily. They may not be our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.

Having a dog in college would be a great experience to have. There may be some rough patches when it comes to money or leaving him to go to class, but I would do anything to make him happy. Dogs can help with your mental health, physical wellness, and overall happiness with life. I want a dog to be my best friend so that I can have an impact on his life while he has an impact on mine. I want that unconditional love that every dog has to offer, and I sincerely hope that I will be a proud dog owner soon.