Ever since I was little, I had wanted a dog. I had always played with my grandparents' dogs, respectively, but I never had one of my own to call my best friend.

As time went on, I was lucky enough to finally get a dog, who I named Jasper. He quickly became my best friend and we were inseparable for a very long time. For about five or so years, Jasper was my fuzzy, little blonde shadow that I knew was immediately right next to me if I ever needed support, entertainment, or if any of my food fell on the floor. He was always by my side: he was even in some of my senior pictures.The two of us became thick as thieves and it broke his heart when we got our other dog, Jack. Jasper did not like no longer being the "only child," and he very much acts like the big brother in a human family.

However, by the end of the summer, I had gained another shadow. Jasper and Jack followed me absolutely everywhere. And whether Jasper wanted him there or not, the three of us were always together.

When I left for school, I knew that not seeing my dogs every day would be the worst part. Luckily for me, I study very close to home, so I see my family quite frequently. My mom comes up very often to see me, and I honestly think that my relationship with her is much better than it was when I permanently lived at home. I'm grateful for that in a lot of aspects.

Leaving my dogs behind almost felt like leaving a part of me at home. My dogs had left such an impact on who I have become as a person. Now, whenever I come home for a weekend or for a break, my four-legged friends are waiting for me at the door, eager to see me like I've been gone for an eternity or two. Coming home to those faces make all of the stresses of working and homework all that much more worth it.