I just read an article that states dog owners would much rather spend time with their dogs than their human friends. I giggled because it's pretty damn true. 

But what if it's just a reaction to another issue? Let's be real, there comes a point in our adult life in which planning hang-outs with friends is more difficult than sticking to a diet. Seriously, take a look at a real conversation I had with friends recently:

Could this be why we get dogs in the first place? I mean, my dog will never tell me, "eh, sorry I don't know if I can make it to the dog park today."

Anyway, if you're thinking about getting a furry friend, here are a 10 things you should know about owning a dog. If you already have a dog, I'm sure you'll relate.

 1 -- If you don't already have kids, raising a pup will make you think twice about it. It's exhausting and frustrating. If you currently have small children and they want a puppy, don't do it! Get an older, trained dog but not a puppy. Training takes a whole lot of patience and treats that don't always smell good.

2 -- You love them every hour of the day, except before 7 am when they whine for you to take them out. 

3 -- Personal space is not a thing. 

4 -- You will buy lots and lots of toys. Most won't last more than a week (some less than an hour) but it's important to keep them chewing on something. Otherwise, you'll be indebted to others. Take me for example, I had/have to replace my boyfriend's Apple watch charger, my mother's waffle maker and my dad's water sprinkler. Oh, and I might not get my pet deposit back.

5 -- You will spend a whole lot of money on things for your pet, for you and your pet, for your car and your pet, for your furniture and your pet, for your yard and your pet.

6 -- They're smart af and will awe you. My favorite thing is watching my dog open the door to her crate just to get the toy she left in there, makes me feel like I've raised a smart, independent lady.

7 -- Taking them to the dog park keeps you from being too anti-social and/or too lazy. So, if you're tired of coming back to an empty home with no one to vent to, get a dog!

8 -- You'll say they're not allowed on the couch but will contradict yourself more often than not. They also take over the entire bed, no matter how small they are.

9 -- Dogs make you laugh a lot, I guess that's why they sometimes use them as therapy.

10 -- They also shed a lot, so buy lots of lint rollers. A big one for your couch, a small one to keep at home for your clothes, one for your car, one for your purse, one for your SO's car ... you get the idea.

Regardless of how much craziness they put us through, there's no companion quite as understanding as your dog.

And now, some super cute pictures of my favorite gal pal.