Have you ever been just going through your daily routine, but then realized something was missing? Or you had a thought you could not fully connect? Then when it does, you're like, "Oh my god." In the midst of all the excitement ordering stuff and packing because I am about to head back to college, it finally hit me; I'm leaving my dog. Cue dramatic crying and plotting to take my dog with me. For the one's who are reading that intro thinking, "What? It is not that bad." You either do not own a dog or you do not live far away from them to understand this heartbreak. Do you know what it is like to love a dog or have a dog love you? One thing you should know is that we don't deserve them. I love my baby to death, but I feel like I did not play with him enough like I should have. It's because I thought I had all the time in the world, but then I realized summer does end and I leave, but he'll still be here. It's going to hit me when I walk in my dorm after a long day. I'll be longing to see my best bud greet me like I've been gone a century when I only went out for a five minute trip to my car.

It's days like this when it hits me that I won't have my dog to lay in bed with me to watch Netflix and cuddle with me. My dog is my best friend and it does not matter what I do or how many mistakes I make, they are the only ones that love me like I am perfect and the only flaw I have is that I can't be there the whole time. I know they say you can always go to your friends when you need their help, but sometimes the only person I want to "talk to" is my dog. To be completely honest, I would be the happiest person in the world if my dog could text me. I literally Facetime home just to see my dog. I know it is sad, but I need him more than he needs me. He inspires me on my worst and best days, because when I look at him, I remember things aren't so bad.

When we're half way through school, what makes it better and sad at the same time is the therapy dogs and the puppy study buddies. They release my stress, but they make me miss my dog at the same time. I know the campuses say we can have a small fish, but if I put my puppy in a fish costume, would it still be the same? Haha. They're the hardest part about leaving.

"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"

-Marley & Me