I have a labradoodle named Teddy. My family got him when I was twelve and he's been my best friend since. He sat on my bed while I did homework, let me hug him as I cried, and was always just a shout away. But as the years flew by, I found myself packing my bags and getting ready to leave. I, like many others, had to say goodbye to him when I went off to college.

I knew he would be fine. My parents take good care of him and he was perfectly happy and healthy. There was nothing I needed to worry about; I would see him soon.

And of course, I knew I would miss my parents and friends back at home a lot too. But there was something different about leaving my dog. Attending college in California while home is in Oregon meant I wouldn't be able to visit whenever I wanted to. And unlike my friends and family, he wasn't a phone call or text away; virtually petting dogs hasn't been invented yet. I wouldn't be able to take him on walks, lay on the couch and pet him, or sleep next to him anymore. I wouldn't be able to go on the quick drives to the store with him. And I especially couldn't tell him not to worry, I'm not leaving you, I'll be back soon.

So while I'm in college and miss him, I do the best I can. I Facetime my parents and have them hold up the phone to Teddy so I can see him. I took lots of pictures and videos before I left so I can scroll through when I think about him. And I look for toys he'd like that I can bring back for him from California.

I miss him a lot but there's not much I can do. But when I come home, I make sure to set aside a lot of time to be with him.