The life of a girl is no easy task. Burdened by school, friends, drama, and overspending on overpriced coffees and beverages, girls will inevitably need someone to support them through such ordeals, and the best solution to all these problems is a tiny four-legged companion, a dog specifically. Whenever I feel sad, happy, excited, or nervous, my dog is always there for me with her knowing yet judgmental eyes. Though physically tiny, her personality is extensive enough to stun the room. Despite her vicious attitude, she has been with me through thick and thin and continues to serve as the best friend I could ever ask for.
I got my dog, Pepper, when I was just nine years old, and since then, she has been a vital character in my life. I remember the day my family and I brought her home and the excitement we all felt as we welcomed her into our humble abode with an abundance of toys, treats, and various places to sleep and relax. She had effortlessly fit into the family, and we had quickly acclimated to her relentless barking and ongoing energy. Pepper is a black cockapoo, a cocker spaniel mixed with a poodle. She is currently almost seven years old and, despite the graying hair, still has the energy of a toddler and a very distinctive personality. She spends her days propping herself on my couch, specifically my brother’s Minecraft blanket, and rests all day. I don’t always notice her around the house; she just fits in as she pleases and relaxes.
Along with Pepper’s expertise in relaxing, she has been in my life since middle school and hopefully for all of high school. She is the most comforting animal, and she consoles me and my problems whenever I am sad or need support. With very few words, she knows how to help me, primarily just by sitting by me. She has immersed herself secondhand into my drama; she always hangs around my friends and me at sleepovers and loves to meet new people (sometimes). After a peaceful 20 minutes of barking and growling, Pepper will quickly grow accustomed to you and try to be your friend, but she will especially favor you if you have food. If there is one thing Pepper loves more than my dad and I, it’s food. Her favorite foods are grapes, chicken, steak, potatoes, cucumbers, and Pop-Tart corners. Overconsumption isn’t a problem in her perfect utopian world; she gets endless treats every day and simply doesn’t have a single issue in this world. From sunrise to sunset, the only thing Pepper does is sit, bark, and eat.
Although being my best friend, one of the great things I love about Pepper is how genuinely codependent we can be. I don’t have to occupy her constantly; I don’t have to play with and give her endless attention. I can simply relax as she does. Most afternoons, we sit outside on my porch as she lathers herself in the sun, and I read an entertaining book while drinking Kombucha.
Overall, I greatly admire and appreciate Pepper as she is an easy-going and fun dog. I have grown to love all aspects of her crazy personality and will continue to cherish her as long as I continue to have her. Every girl should have the joyous opportunity of owning a dog and getting to immerse themselves in all the different kinds of benefits that come with the animals. After all, a dog is a girl’s best friend.
