Being a dog owner is hard. I often feel guilty for leaving for school, work, or just leaving the room and not paying attention to my favorite furry face.

Anyone who goes to college and leaves their pet behind knows the struggle. All you want to do during the week is see their face and snuggle with them, but the problem is: they're not there with you. Luckily for me, I go home on the weekends and I get to see my dog, Marley, for those few days. But sometimes when I can't go home for the weekend, or even during the week when I'm waiting for the weekend, I miss my Marley dearly. So here's a letter for my Marley boy, and for you and your pet when you miss them.

Dear Marley,

First of all, how are you? What have you chewed up today? Did you get a treat? Are you being a good boy?

I miss you a lot! I have pictures of you up in my room and on my phone, but Mom won't send me more when I ask for them. I know, how mean right? I ask her how you're doing and what you're doing, but usually she just gives me a vague answer like "sleeping", "begging", or "outside". She doesn't get how important those updates are.

I tell my roommate, Jen, all the time about how I miss you. You remember her! She told you you were fat. Don't worry, I showed her pictures for her to see that you've lost SOME weight. She tells me how she misses her cat, Jake, too. You wouldn't like him.

I'll be home in a few days, Marley boy! I promise I'll give you treats and let my friends/boyfriend to come over and play with you. Don't forget, when I get off work on Saturday we're going to snuggle. Try not to get distracted and get off the bed. I start work at 8, don't forget to jump on me and wake me up.

Love you puppy boy!

Ari