So, for the past week or so, I've been watching a whole lotta vids of puppies.  Apart from the uncontrollable outbursts of joy attained from them, they made me realize just how important a dog (or any pet for that matter) is to someone.

When I left for college, I had to say goodbye to my weimeraner (or however it's spelled) Greta and my bagel (basset hound/beagle combination) Winnie.  I'm almost done with my freshman year at VT, and I can't wait to get back home to see my family and friends again.  But I also can't wait to see my dogs again.  I love them both to death, and it's been tough living without them.  Even if I see a dog being walked or riding in a car, I smile.  Dogs make me happy.  Always.

Anyway, on a similar subject, I'll take this time to express my thoughts on cats and dogs.  I've been a dog lover all my life, so I may feel a bit of bias towards cats, but know that I love both.  Dogs are playful, energetic, and always willing to comfort someone if they are in distress.  They'll put themselves before you, even if it means their own death.  In my opinion, dogs are the purest-hearted animals.  Even purer-hearted than humans.  Their unconditional love goes beyond the scope of human-to-human comfort, at times.  Cats, as far as I know, do their own thing.  Unlike dogs, who'll just love anyone automatically, cats' love needs to be earned.  I once earned the trust and love of a cat, and found her to be quite happy around me.  Granted, I tried to lure her back to her house by baiting her with fish and picking her up when her back was turned, but that's not the point.

When I grow up, I won't just want a dog; I'll need a dog.  A dog adds so much life to a family that it's almost unbelievable.  Sure, they may chew up something or pee in the house when they're puppies, but they're just learning.  And they'll never do that on purpose (provided you train them properly).  The only thing a dog does on purpose is love his/her owner(s).  It's something that you need to experience yourself to fully understand.