I left to go back to school today. My younger dog finally understood that I was leaving, and continually ran and hid under my bed as I packed. One of my best friends even started to cry because she was so touched by the bond between a dog and a human. I then realized how much I would miss my dogs, and how much I appreciated the time I got with them for the month of summer that I was home. I honestly look forward to hanging out with my dogs, and yes, I did just say "hanging out" in reference to animals. I consider my dogs to be more than just my pets, they are my companions and my best friends. Every dog owner can attest to this fact: every day is in some way brighter because their dog is a part of their life. Truthfully, some of my hardest goodbyes have been to my dogs.

I am, without a doubt, wholeheartedly obsessed with my dogs. I can, and will, happily carry a conversation fully about my dogs and their behaviors. I am also sure that someone has probably overheard one of these conversations, assuming that Frankie is my overly attached significant other with a habit for eating my food. Or, that Kyla is my easy-going, chill, stoner friend that just happily watches TV all day. However, they're just my dogs. I wish that I could tell my dogs in words and have them completely understand how much they mean to me, and how much I love and appreciate them. As much as I wish I could hold a conversation with my dogs, I can't. So, I will use this space to let the general public read and truly understand how much of a crazy dog lady I actually am.

Thank you, for making me feel so loved and important. There is no better feeling than coming home and being greeted by two wagging tails who act like your presence is the most special thing that has happened to them all day. Thank you, for giving me puppy dog eyes when I leave, because it makes me even more excited and grateful to come home. Thank you, for lying in bed with me, even when you wake me up at seven in the morning by jumping on me. Thank you, for always listening to me, and understanding my emotions even when I can't. Thank you, for somehow knowing all of the right things to say, without saying anything at all. Thank you, for inspiring me to be a better person, the person that you see me as.

I don't care if this article makes me look overly obsessed with my dogs. I believe that the world would be a better place if every human was able to possess the capabilities to be a responsible dog owner. Having a pet opens a whole realm of companionship and compassion that many people lack. So, thank you to my dogs. I would be significantly lonelier and less joyful person without you.