Dog, cat, bird, bunny, ferret, or hamster; all pets have a special place in the heart of their owners. Animals have a way of positively impacting anyone they come in touch with, dogs especially. They have a power that no human being can access: immense, non-judgemental love. I was blessed with the gift of a dog in February of 2012 and cannot imagine life without the infamous chocolate wonder of love (aka Rocky). Here is what my dog means to me:

1. Love at first sight.

True love exists and dogs are a proof of this. From the moment both of your eyes lock, there is no going back. Their life will forever revolve around you from then on.

2. Whoever said diamonds were a girl's best friend never had a dog.

Who needs expensive gifts when there's such things as dogs?

3. No judgement.

All those flaws you see when you stare at yourself in the mirror do not exist when it comes to your dog. They see you as the best thing since sliced bread, so embrace your imperfections and know that your dog loves you no matter what you look like.

4. Workout buddy.

Dogs are filled with endless energy. What better way to tire them out than by also tiring yourself out? It's the most fun you'll have getting into shape, hands down.

5. They help make you feel less guilty about your guilty pleasures.

Feeling guilty about that second piece of cake you want to eat? Have no fear! One look from your dog and you're eating the cake together.

(Warning: grapes and chocolate should not be given to your dog. Be cautious what you decide to feed them if you choose to do so.)

6. No boyfriend? No problem.

Dress up your dog in a suite, teach him to walk on hind-legs, and voila! You got yourself a boyfriend who will go on cute dates with you, listen to you, snuggle, and only have eyes for you.

7. Puppy phase.

Nothing is more precious than watching a dog grow from a puppy to an adult. In these stages, the relationship between you and your dog grows. Secretly you'll always wish they were a puppy again, but the bond formed over the years will never be broken.

8. Protection.

Dogs have a sixth sense. They know when someone is bad news. The day you brought them into your home is the day they made it their mission to love and protect you. As long as they can help it, they will never let anything bad happen to you or your family.

9. Heating pad.

Cold? Have no fear! Big dog or small dog, their body will produce a heat no blanket is able to achieve.

10. Loads of laughs.

After a long day at work the only thing you need is a good laugh and dogs provide exactly that. Their goofy personalities are bound to produce a good laugh and there's no better feeling than being greeted with the silly dog you call your own.

11. Therapy.

Dogs have a power to spread happiness among babies, kids, adults, and elderly. Therapy dogs are able to provide a service to people with special needs, cancer, or anxiety. There's just something about a dog that makes all the troubles in life disappear.

12. Forever love.

Rockstar, Rockman, Rocky Balboa, Rock, Chocolate Wonder of Love, Sausage, Rocky. So many names for just one dog. One dog I have endless love for and who has endless love for me. Four years ago Rocky came into our lives and I can't imagine a life without him. He is my running partner, my baby, my brother, my best friend. He is the best dog a girl could ask for.

My dog has taught me the meaning of life: to live every life to the fullest, to not sweat the small stuff, and to love with every fiber in your body. Act like a dog. Pay attention to the people who surround you. Show empathy. Give love. Be happy. Love your dog.