When returning from vacation, one of the few things I was actually looking forward to was seeing my dog again. I’d been in a place where friendly stray dogs roamed the streets, and my mad dog lady mother insisted on giving a treat to most of them. Still, there’s no place like home, and it’s fair to say that our very own canine friend was ecstatic to realize that we hadn’t just gone and abandoned her for good.

Of course, she has wasted no time reminding us of her more annoying behaviors. It was like we had never been away as she made a nest out of every comforter in the house, and begged for scraps of takeout. Nonetheless, it was great to see her again and be reminded of what a lovable goofball she is. For dog owners and appreciators alike, this is one of the most appealing things about our canine companions. It’s probably why they feature heavily in so many memes.