As college students, we are used to moving from one place to the next and always feel like our lives are in transition. We don't live with our parents, but sometimes we do. We don't live in our hometowns anymore, but sometimes we do. We have most of our stuff in our new apartments and dorms, but then we also have a lot of things left at our old homes, too. We are constantly saying goodbye to one person or place and hello to the next. And this transitioning gets easier with time, but there is one transition that always hurts and never gets easier: saying goodbye to our pets.
Many of us have childhood pets waiting for us back home. They are the ones that love us unconditionally and have been our best friends for years. When we leave for school, we all face that heartbreaking goodbye. It's terrible because we know that they don't understand why we are abandoning them and despite our moms sending us daily pictures, we still miss them. The following things probably apply to you if you have a pet waiting for you back home.
1. You talk about them like they are your kids.
You pull out your phone and show pictures to everyone, you tell tell stories about them, and you brag about them.
2. You still expect them to greet you everyday.
There is a moment of devastation when you walk into your apartment or dorm room after a long day and realize they won't be waiting there to welcome you home.
3. You Facetime them.
You may call your parents to chat first, but you always make time to check in with your pets and see how they're doing.
4. You miss them more than anyone.
Of course you miss your friends and family, but you can't talk to your pets whenever you want. It's just a relationship that works better face-to-face.
5. They are often the "fun fact" you share.
Syllabus week is filled with horrible ice breakers that most of us dread. But, we'll take the chance to introduce our pets over ourselves any day.
6. You cry every time you leave them.
Some goodbyes get easier, but leaving our pets gets worse each time.
7. They are displayed everywhere.
They are the "missing this pal" posts, phone backgrounds, and are displayed somewhere in our rooms.
Pets really are one of our most cherished gifts!
