My Dog Is Family

He is always there for me when family is not.  He understands me, and he isn't annoying.  He sits on the couch and sits on my lap (even though he's a little too big). I feel like we communicate well, even though he can't talk, I read his body language.  We have fun playing ball or going for walks, as if he were a member of the family.  He is just always included.  We even celebrate his birthday a little bit.