Over winter break, we've all had some time to spend some good quality time with our friends and family. There is one or maybe a few individuals who were there for you the minute you opened the door, jumping up and down; wanting to show you all their love they have for you. Those individuals are your loyal pets; dogs, cats, maybe even a fish. 

These small creatures have been there for you through everything and would protect you from anything.  They keep you warm and safe at night, they eat the nasty casserole your Aunt Jill made, and they will even go on a jog with you to work off your holiday eating. Basically, they would go to your 8 a.m. if they could, that is how awesome they are. They won’t judge you on watching that extra episode on Netflix or having another cookie. Without our animals, we may never know what true friendship is. 

I mean, why else would Hollywood make tons and tons of top notch movies about animals? Who didn't fall in love with the many "Air Bud" movies or cry during "Marley and Me"? The world has come to shine the loving light on animals. You all know you bought a cute animal folder once in your lifetime, and more than half you probably still have the folder somewhere.

I love my three amazing and stinky dogs that love me no matter what. You never know how much you will miss the little fur balls until you don’t have them by your side. I have enjoyed the many sloppy kisses and the constant yellow fur all over my leggings or black fur on my white shirts. The never ending play times and constant barking keep me going. I am very tempted to stow them away in my car and take them back to the boot. You can ask any of my friends, my two labs and one lab-wiener will steal your heart.

We should all take a minute and realize how #blessed we should be for our furry friends. Take some extra time out of your day to show little more love to your pets. Maybe take them for a little car ride, and, if you are feeling a little crazy, put the window down a little more.  

If your pets are anything like mine, an extra-long belly rub or feeding them a little earlier will do the trick. You could even start their own Instagram or Twitter page; T-Swift’s cat has one.