I've always classified myself as a cat person. That was before I adopted Old Man.

I adopted my sweet boy over a month ago, and he has changed my life immensely. I was in a rough spot mentally before I met him, anxious all the time, feeling overwhelmed and obtrusively sad. I felt that, if I had an animal to cuddle with, take on walks, get me outside, and to simply love on, I would feel better. My parents, after a lot of convincing, finally agreed, and I took that initial trip to the Tallahassee kennel, where I met this lovable, adorable boy.

He was sitting there, leaning against his cage, looking lovingly at everyone who passed him by. Seven years old, my man is a senior citizen, so many families walked right by without a second look - not many people want to adopt an older dog; many look for younger animals to welcome into their family. But as soon as I saw him, I knew.

My roommate and I played with him that day, which consisted mainly of his resting his head in my lap and my stroking his white-speckled fur. I visited him again a few days later on a particularly dreary, overwhelming day - as I sat there, petting him, my sadness and anxiety was immediately erased. I felt happy, calm. I knew this dog was going to come home with me. And, a few days later, he did.

He's made our house his home, and a happy home at that. My roommates and I are so happy to have a pup to love on and cuddle with when we are feeling stressed out and lonely. He is so calm and chill, loves to sleep all day, and loves to be loved on. He is the perfect addition to my little family and I couldn't be happier to call him mine.

I am a pet owner now. I wake up, feed my dog, hug my dog, crate my dog, let him out, take him on walks. I am responsible for another being, which was, at first, a daunting idea. Now, though, it's become second nature. He's my boy, my adorable Old Man, and I love him endlessly, even when he pees on the carpet.

Animals really do change lives. I know this now, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to welcome this pup into my life. It sounds utterly cliche, but it's true: I didn't save him, he saved me. Thanks, Old Man.