Leaving for college is a very bittersweet time. Saying goodbye to friends, family, and most of all, your childhood dog. Your dog has been your companion and most loyal friend for as long as you can remember, and now you must say goodbye as he is sadly left behind with the family.
You soon feel a pang in your heart, reminiscing on the wet kisses received every morning, the anxious panting as he heard your car pull up, and best of all, the excited jumping and tail wagging the second you walked through the door. A home with no pets is well, not a home.
What to do? Buy another dog! Now, I'm not saying go and replace your faithful canine whom is currently mourning your absence at home. A new pup, however, will help fill this new emptiness.
Owning a pet in college can be tough but it is definitely worth it. Before embarking on this 10 to 15 year adventure, make sure your living facility is suitable for a dog. Are you allowed to have pets where you're living? Do you have time to let him out regularly? Room to play? If you answered yes to those three questions then you're on to the next step..finding your dog!
You have finally decided on a pup! Time to bring her home. You feel guilty at first, knowing your "main" dog would be upset with you but, after looking in to your new, very own dog's eyes, you will fall in love.
Congratulations. You now have the sole responsibility of another life and, while that seems intimidating, there is nothing more fulfilling and rewarding than raising a dog. He will learn who you are quickly, responding to your commands and learning to love from you, the one who loves him most in this world.
There is no greater stress reliever than having a dog for a companion. No plans on a Saturday night? No worries! It's the perfect excuse to cuddle up with your pup and watch a movie. Big test next week? Your little buddy will patiently lay at your feet as you focus on your books for what to him feels like years. And, once you've aced that test, he will be even more excited than you to celebrate your good grade with a game of fetch or a ride in the car.
You'll watch her grow and her personality will grow as well which you'll fall in love with more and more each day. Now, you have your own dog to wake you up with kisses every morning, pant and bark for you as you approach, and finally, greet you with his anxiously wagging tail.
No one will love you more than your dog, who loves you unconditionally and thinks you're the best human on earth. It is a feeling like no other, knowing someone is waiting for you and thinking about you every moment of the day. He may not be able tell you how much he loves you, but trust me, you'll know.
