Pets are great companions. As I get older, I realize how great it is to have an animal that also doubles as a friend.

Growing up, we’ve always had cats as pets. Unfortunately, I think I’ve recently developed an allergy to cats, so it has made it hard for me to appreciate cats as much as I used to. As I’ve grown older I’ve also realized I’m much more of a dog person than a cat person.

When I was in seventh grade, my family adopted our first dog from the Humane Society of Freeborn County. Bacon, a terrier mix, changed our lives forever. Bacon taught me that dogs will love their humans unconditionally, even if you’re in a bad mood or scold them for misbehaving. We lost Bacon this past March. Although Bacon barked a lot — like really, a lot — he was still a great companion and always kept us entertained.

In the summer of 2012, I had the chance to adopt a second dog. Maya, a Chihuahua, is like my child. I cannot even begin to describe how important Maya is to me. It’s funny how heartwarming it is to come home to see something so cute, so excited to see you. Every morning, I have my morning routine of cuddling with Maya before getting ready for the day. It’s the little things that dogs do to show their appreciation to you that make them so great. This Tuesday marked three years of having Maya in our house.

Since adopting Bacon and Maya, I’ve learned so much about myself just by the way I am when I’m with my dogs. There are few people I care about more than my pups. If you have a dog, I hope you appreciate them. To me, they are truly man’s best friend.

 

Erin Murtaugh is an undergraduate at Bemidji State University studying elementary education. She can be reached at murtaugh.erin@gmail.com.