I didn’t mean to leave you for weeks or months at a time. Trust me, I didn’t want this either. The days drag on when you’re not there to greet me with kisses in the morning or run upstairs with me to bed at night. Plain and simple: I’m sorry I left for college.

I wish I could have taken you with me, but Mom and Dad said I had to leave you at home. They pay for college, so they make the rules (which means you should be mad at them, not me). Don’t worry though, you’re not missing out on much. The food here isn’t as good as what Mom makes, so I wouldn’t want to sneakily feed it to you anyway. I promise I’ll share my dinner with you the next time I’m home.

I know you always forgive me for saying “goodbye” to you whenever I have to go back to school, but I can never forgive myself. Seeing you follow me to the door as you watch me leave breaks my heart more than you know. Our long distance relationship isn’t ideal, especially since Mom and Dad sometimes don’t know how to use FaceTime properly, but know that they do send me pictures and videos of you when I’m missing you most.

Sometimes it makes me really upset when I see other people walking their dogs around campus because I think about how I used to walk you everyday when I was home. Just know that these pups will never be as cute as you, you know, since I tell you all the time how you’re the cutest.

I really do hope that Mom, Dad, and Brother are treating you well and feeding you lots of treats. I know that it doesn’t compensate for me not being around, but when this whole “college” thing is over with, we’ll be back to cuddling everyday.

I’ll make sure the family reads you this letter. Until then, don’t try to miss me too much.

Love always,

Your favorite person in the family who never wanted to leave you.