Are you having a hard time adjusting to living without your pets? I know I am! I have a wonderful dog named Shadow, and a frog named King Amphibian. Going from cuddling with my dog every night to not seeing a dog for more than 2 seconds once a month is a huge change, and it takes time to adjust. Here are some things that might help ease your heartache from missing them.

1.) They miss you too! You might be asking yourself, "How is that a good thing?". It is in fact a very good thing, because then when you see them again, you will have a great time together! Whether its taking a long walk or playing fetch, your fur baby will be so happy to see you again! Also, you will learn to greatly appreciate your time with them!

2.) Due to great advances in technology, you can get yourself photo/ video updates of your pupper(s) and show them off to your friends! Before Fall Family Weekend, I remember just showing my friends videos of Shadow, and just getting so excited to introduce her to everybody. When the day finally came, all of my friends knew who she was, and they all already loved her. (Shadow loved them too!)

3.) Know that this is a normal part of growing up, and that this will get easier. Right now, it might not feel ok, but it will. It will be extremely difficult at first, but both of you will learn to adjust to this new way of life. It might not be ideal, but you will be ok.

4.) You are not alone. For a lot of people, college is when they leave their fur babies at home. If you are having an especially hard time, talk to someone! Talk to one of your friends, a counselor, a professor, or even call home! It's perfectly ok to feel the way you feel.

5.) Your feelings are valid! Since everyone is different, people will adjust in different ways. If someone is invalidating how you are feeling, they are the ones who are wrong, not you. Your feelings are completely valid. There is nothing wrong with feeling your feelings, don't ever let anyone tell you differently.

6.) Remember to take some time to breathe. For some people, pets are a huge stress reliever. Sometimes, when people lose that stress reliever, they get overloaded and don't know what to do. One trick that helps me calm down is the 4-7-8 method. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Do that as many times as you need, its different for everyone!

7.) Know that this too will pass. You will see them again, and when you do, you will be so much more excited and happy! Remember to keep this in the back of your mind, you can do this!