Leaving home for college is challenging. Between a new school, new classes, roommates, missing your friends and family, it can all be pretty overwhelming. What most people forget though is how hard it is to leave your pet’s at home.

1. Seeing dogs is a blessing and a curse.

“Aww, your dog is so cute! What’s his name? Speckle? Awwww Speckle, who’s a good boy? You are!! What kind of dog is he? A Maltese?? Oh that’s just like my Woozanator!!” My Woozanator…but, she had to stay at my parent’s house and… *wipes away tear I have not saw her in weeks! *blows up Mom’s phone asking for recent dog pictures.

2. You have millions of dog pictures on your phone.

Your dog, my dog, red dog, blue dog. They’re handy for that mid class day dream about your life plus a dog.

3. Your friends are sick of seeing pictures of your dog.

“Have I shown you a picture of my dog? No?? Oh she’s the cutest thing! This is her in her puppy days, this her in her Christmas hat, this is one of her new haircut, this is one when she woke up sleepy and cuddly one morning I was home, OH and look at this one I snapped right as she was licking her nose!

4. You’ve considered a different pet.

Hm…I wonder if the rumor that bunnies are allowed in dorms is true…*Runs to front desk. “Hurry!!! Someone!!! I have a question!!!” *Alarmed manager stumbles out from office, “What?? What’s wrong???” “Is it true, bunnies are aloud?!” *Manager shakes head in disapproval “Yes, we do allow table top animals.” *Spend hours researching bunny breeds all to decide that when you move somewhere dogs are allowed, you just won’t like the bunny as much.

5. You constantly dream of future dogs.

A Pomsky?!? Whoever even knew that was a thing? An Adorably colorful fluffy little ball of fluff?? Hopefully when I move out of here I there will be a breeder nearby!

6. The Sarah McLachlan SPCA commercials are a literal hell for you.

(Yells at the TV) “Stop it!! Stop it!! The adorable dogs and sad music are just too much to handle! Mercy!! I’ll adopt one! I’ll adopt 2!! I’ll adopt them all!!! Just as soon as I move out of this place…CURSE THIS APARTMENT COMPLEX AND SARAH MCLACHLAN!!!

7. You know emotional support animals are a thing.

You know all the ins and outs of acquiring one, but just haven’t found a doctor who quite understand you just feel SO MUCH BETTER when you have a tail-wagging-ball-of-fluff to come home to!

8. You’re angry at landlords who only allow cats.

Cat friendly, cat friendly…AREN’T ANY OF THESE PLACE DOG FRIENDLY?? MUST YOU BE A CAT PERSON TO BE A LANDLORD????

9. You’ve considered becoming a professional dog walker.

I could make business cards and post signs and make a DIY fanny pack to carry dog treats in and plastic bags and dog food. I could bring toys and take them to the dog park! Who wouldn’t want me to walk their dog?

10. At home, you and your dog are a package deal.

You make arrangements in advance for your parents to bring your dog to pick you up, (that way all your friends can meet her!) and at home you do everything together. Including being kicked out of multiple stores because apparently, you cannot take your dog to the grocery store. One thing’s for sure though, there’s nothing quite as good as dog kisses when it’s been a month since you’ve seen your barking four-legged friend.