Growing up I always asked my parents for a dog and I consistently got shut down until one glorious day my mom showed a glimmer of possibility. I was looking up puppies for sale, as I often did, in hope that maybe one day my parents would come around and change their minds. Well, on this lovely March Saturday afternoon, I was looking up dogs. I had been pushing for a dog harder than usual for some reason and was talking to my mother about what kind of dog she would like if we were to get a dog. At the time she had just met the cutest Yorkie so she recently had developed a soft spot for them, lucky me! Then there is my father whom grew up with Dachshunds (a.k.a. Wiener Dogs) and he just could not part ways with that breed.

As I am searching through various ads online and in newspapers I come across an advertisement stating "Dorkies for Sale". A Dorkie? What is that? Well.. luckily for me it was the exact dog I needed because a dorkie is a mix between a Dachshund and Yorkie! What were the odds? Well as fate would have it, my parents gave in and that night we went to some random house and picked out our forever love, Lucy. Having a dog has taught me so much over the years and here is why I believe everyone should own a dog (or a pet in general, not necessarily a dog, especially if you are allergic) at some point, especially during childhood.

1. Dogs teach you responsibility.

Having a dog taught me how to not just think about myself but someone else too. Dogs need food and water, taken out to the bathroom, taken on walks, love, and care, and they need you to clean up after them if they make a mess. When you own a dog, you have no choice but to be responsible for them. They need you and you may not feel like dealing with them or getting up to take them outside to use the bathroom, but you have to stop being selfish and think about them instead of yourself. You are responsible for their care and well-being.

2. Dogs teach you about unconditional love and companionship.

They will always love you regardless of what happens. They are always there waiting for you to get home and they are probably even more happy about you being off work than you are. They are always up for hang out time with you. So on those days where your friends do not invite you on the lake trip or that guy/girl stood you up on your date, regardless, your dog will still always be your friend so you are never truly alone. They also do not care if you look absolutely awful. While your friends may refuse to go out with you looking like that, your dog will accept you no matter how terrible you look. They love you for all your flaws and everything you are. They do not judge you.

3. A dog will bring happiness into your life.

If you have ever spent time around a dog then I feel like this is pretty self-explanatory. Dogs are always so energetic and full of love. How can you not feel happiness around a dog? They are just a blast to be around.

All in all, dogs are the bomb. This summer I started volunteering at the local animal shelter where I live. Each Saturday, volunteers each pick a dog to take to the Farmers Market and they walk around for a couple hours talking to people and advertising the dogs' availability for adoption. I love dogs from the shelter. While some may have a rough past and may need some extra care and attention, I truly believe that with the right owner and home they could flourish and have a great life. If you are considering bringing a new dog into your home, you should definitely consider checking out your local animal shelter first. If you are not a dog lover but instead prefer cats, the shelter is also the place for you. These dogs and cats are loving and will be forever grateful for you saving their lives and giving them a place they can call their forever home. All in all, dogs and other pets can contribute to your life in ways you didn't even know you needed.