Over the summer, we extended our family. We adopted a 7 week old puppy and named him Harlee. Harlee instantly captured my heart, and gave me a reason to smile.

Now that I'm at school and a good distance away from my precious baby brother pup, I miss him more than ever. I miss him getting excited to see me when I wake up in the morning. I miss playing with him, or watching him play sometimes because he hasn't quite made fetch happen yet. I miss hearing him slide and fall across the kitchen floor because he doesn't grasp the whole walking thing just yet.

He gives me a reason to be genuinely happy. My whole family at home does. Through all the stress at school between the homework, clinicals, and the drama with the dash of anxiety and no sleep, I know I can always call my family and feel better. Just hearing that precious boy bark releases all stress that comes my way.

When you leave your puppy at home, you're going to miss them. I never thought I would miss Harlee as much as I do, but even the smallest ounce of you will miss your pup. In my instance he's my little bro, so it's hard being so far away from him. It's my obligation to protect, play, and love him like any sister loves their sibling, and at 100+ miles away, that's somewhat difficult.

Despite all of this, you get to come home to the most excited and adorable little sibling. Even when I would go out to the store, I'd come home to an excited Harlee laying at my feet wanting a belly rub. You get the break from typical college because in between cram sessions you can play with your dog. The most special part in my opinion is all the opportunities I'll get to watch him grow. Because I don't see him daily, you notice all of the little things. You'll notice when he has to get a new collar because he outgrew the last one. You'll notice that he's taller. You'll notice that one little freckle on his nose and how he's more disciplined. You'll get a lot of kisses, so be prepared for that!

You need a break from school? Go home to your puppy. Trust me on that one. Plus it will also make your parents happy because you came home from college.

Here's to the years of unconditional puppy love.