Dear Wienerman,

It’s been almost exactly one month since we last saw each other, but it feels like so much longer. I knew it would be hard to make this long-distance thing work, and yet it still surprises me how much I miss you. Those 158 miles between us seem to form an impassable distance (especially since your legs are like four inches long).

The truth is, living without you is hard. I miss falling asleep next to you every night. I miss your kisses and your cuddles and the way you light up when you see me. I miss going on long walks, just you and me. I miss having you by my side every day, unfailingly, no matter what.

And I know it’s hard being the one left behind. It’s not fair that I’m off at college, living out my dreams and having the time of my life, while you’re stuck at home waiting. I wish you could be here to experience everything right along with me, but we both know that’s not possible. (Mostly because pets are not allowed in my sorority house.) Just know that I think about you all the time, and you’re always with me in my heart.

So I just have one thing to ask of you. Live your life. Don’t let your whole world revolve around waiting for me. I promise you, I am coming back. I’m not sure when, but this separation is not permanent. In the meantime, I want you to enjoy all the little doggy pleasures the world has to offer. I want you to run around the backyard and bark at the neighbors and take naps in the sun and be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.

Someday, we’ll be together for real, and I won’t ever have to leave again. Until then, don’t forget about me. I know I could never forget about you.

I love you, Wienerman.

I’ll see you soon.

Love always, Jessica