Universal truth: the hardest goodbye you have to say when you leave for school is to your pets.

If you’re not a pet owner, then it sounds a little dramatic. But it’s not. Yeah, I’m going to miss my family and friends, but thanks to smartphones everywhere, I can literally text, call, FaceTime, or Skype them whenever I want. Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter also assure me that I can stay up to date on their outfit of the day and also learn about what new cereal they discovered at the grocery store. It will be like I never left.

But my dogs are for petting and snuggling on 90 degree days. How will I live without their hot breath on my leg every morning as I eat breakfast? It’s not the same, and I’m already dreading my most soul-crushing goodbye.

As you pack up your car and get ready to leave, here’s how to properly say goodbye to your four legged soul mates:

1. Pump up their ego. Tell them their true worth. Don't hold back any of your feelings, just lay it all out.

2. Look them in the eyes and let them know that distance is nothing.

3. Tell yourself that you can get through this.

4. Try not to blame school for getting in the way of the only solid relationship in your life.

5. Don't get angry when people try to tell you that you'll feel better once you see all of your friends at school.

6. Instead, give your pet another hug (or ten).

7. Profess your unwavering love.

8. Say goodbye, hold yourself together, and walk out of there with the determination to not go running back to them.

9. Disregard anyone who says you're overreacting.

10. And remember, it's only a handful of months until you get to see them again.