To my favorite furry friend:
I’m sorry it has to be this way. Believe me, if it were up to me, I would never leave you. I wish I could explain to you that I’m not leaving forever. I’ll be home again soon enough; I can’t wait to see your wagging tail and energetic excitement when I walk through the door once again. I hope you can understand that my leaving doesn’t mean I love you any less, and that every time I pack my suitcase and begin the journey back to school, I have to fight the urge to smuggle you in there, too.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous that you’d be sleeping in my sister’s bed now, instead of mine. It makes me sad to think that the rest of my family gets to run around with you in the backyard, throwing sticks, chew toys, and tennis balls, while I’m miles and miles away. It’s not fair, my little ball of fluff. It just isn’t fair.
I feel a wave of sadness whenever I spot owners with their dogs passing through campus, and I think of how that should be us. Coming back to my dorm room after a long day of classes just isn’t the same, either. I wish my roommates were half as excited to see me as you are every time I walk into a room. I miss the sound of your paws pattering across the kitchen floor to greet me in the morning. I miss your slobbery kisses on my face after I’ve fallen asleep on the couch. Oh, and I miss you eating up all the food I’ve accidentally dropped on the floor, because it means I have to actually sweep now.
It’s not you, my sweet baby. It’s me. Long-distance relationships are hard, but I know we can make it work. I believe in us. Try not to eat too many gross things in the yard while I’m away, okay? I really wish it didn’t have to be this way. I’m counting down the days until I can feel your furry embrace again. And please, please don’t let anyone else in our family become your new “favorite” while I’m away. We’ll be together again soon, and I will shower you in doggy treats, belly scratches, and long walks. I promise.
May your nose always be wet and your tail always be wagging.
With love,
Your favorite human friend
