I got my best friend for my 15th birthday. At that age, I had no idea what would come up in my life, where I would go, or what my life would look like as my best friend grew into a big dog who needed love and attention. But, through everything, I KEPT MY DOG. Never did it run across my mind that I was too busy to get rid of a dog that loved me so much.

At 15, I was in high school. I played sports all year long and was extremely involved in FFA on the chapter and area level. Most days, I left for school at 8 in the morning and didn't get home until late that night. Once home, I remember studying with a clumsy little puppy stumbling around and often times chewing on things she wasn't supposed to. It was hard, but I kept my dog.

At 16 came a driver's license and a lot more freedom. That driver's license meant I got to take my four-legged friend everywhere I could. I still was drowning in school work. I started duel enrollment and the new college work seemed overwhelming. Sadie spent many long hours in the park while I sat under a tree and studied. No matter how long I stayed studying, Sadie didn't mind. I was never too busy to load up my pup and go to Bruster's to get an ice cream- one for me, and one for Sadie, of course. It was hard, but I kept my dog.

At 17, life was still stressful. That year, I graduated from high school. I applied to several colleges and my dreams started to come together. Not only did I graduate high school, but I moved out. Not one time did it cross my mind that I would have to leave Sadie behind. Instead of going off for college, I stayed close to home and chose GSU, knowing I couldn't take Sadie to a dorm as a college freshman. I found an apartment that allowed dogs that was still in my price range. To my surprise, it was pretty easy to do. Sadie had a huge, fenced in backyard and loved life. Even through classes and a job, Sadie was a priority. It was hard, but I kept my dog.

At 18, I still attended GSU. This time, however, I had two jobs. I got engaged. I moved to another apartment. My parent's health had always been bad, but continued to deteriorate. I was beyond stressed and didn't know how to handle it all the time. Through everything, I took Sadie to the RAC with me. She sat under a tree for 5 hours one day as I studied for a chemistry test. She stayed up with me long nights and never left my side as I cried from all things that I felt were spinning around me. She sat in the kitchen while I cooked dinner at two in the morning. It was hard, but I kept my dog.

All too often, I see posts on Facebook about people rehoming their dogs or companions because they "just don't have the time." I totally get it. Sometimes Sadie sat in my room with the tv on all day because I just couldn't be home, but I truly believe she understood. I'm currently planning a wedding, working 45 hours a week, starting Nursing School in the Fall, and not once has it crossed my mind to get rid of my best friend. Having a pet is great. I couldn't imagine my life without my furry, little, nervous wreck of a pup.

But when you get a pupper, you get a life-long commitment- not just a temporary entertainer. Sadie chewed my shoes, she pooped on my floor, and she needed to go out to use the bathroom at 4 in the morning when I didn't get to bed until 2 and it was hard. I can't wait to have kids and grow our family, but I know for sure that Sadie will always be apart of it. Call me a crazy dog mom, but I'm just a responsible owner. No matter where I move, hard times that come upon my growing family, or what I do I will keep my dog because I made a commitment to her.