For four straight years, I left the house on a schedule. Our sleep patterns were in line. We got up at 6 am, ate breakfast, I got ready while you followed me everywhere, then I would take you for a walk around the block and would leave the house for seven hours or so. You gave me the same puppy-dog eyes every morning, knowing that I would leave anyways, but were confident I would return that evening. Until then, you would watch out the window and probably sleep the day away until I would return. And for four years, I did just that. Some days were later than others and sometimes you got an early surprise, but no matter what, I came home every single night to sleep next to you and wake up then do it all over again the next day.

Then strangely, after four years of early rising and daily returning, I one day left and did not return for weeks, only to stay for a few days, then leave again for what probably seemed to you as longer weeks. Hopeful, however, you sat where you could look out the window and slept, hoping that when you woke up, I would be there again like I used to be. But I never was. And when I came home, I came home at odd days or odd times. There was no pattern to it. Sometimes I came home real early and other times I came home in the evening. Sometimes I stayed for weeks and other times I stayed a night or two. Sometimes I came home every weekend and other time once a month.

It was way too random for your little, doggy mind to comprehend and I’m sure you thought it was something you did. Did you poop one too many times in the house? Did you need walked too much? Were you too needy?

I assure you, it was none of those things. It’s not your fault I left home. I know it may seem like it is your fault, but it is not. I left home because I went to college to advance my education, so that after another four years I will be able to get a decent job so that I can buy a place for the two of us to live in. I left home so I can afford to buy you all the toys and treats and food you want. To you it seems like I have forgotten about you and left to do other, more important things, but I assure you that I have not forgotten you and that I left with good intention for us both.

I may not see you as much as I did our first four years together, but in a few short years I will be back to spend every spare moment with you again. When that time comes, I promise an extra-long walk to the park.