Sorry to my parents and friends in advace — the dog was definitely my hardest goodbye when I left for school. Everyone else understands why I'm leaving home and where I'm going, but the dog? ... She has no clue.

Here are some things that have gone through my mind since I left my dog for school:

1. I'm convinced the dog hates me for leaving her.

Like I said before — the dog doesn't understand why I left. What if she thinks I ditched her? How can I explain to her I'd MUCH rather be at home playing than at school?? You may act indifferent towards me 90% of the time, but I just want you to pay attention to me!

2. I force my parents to put the dog on FaceTime.

Don't crush my dreams and remind me that she doesn't know what I'm saying. I tell my parents to turn the camera on the dog, and talk to her (mentally pretending she understands). She's more confused as to why a camera is being shoved in her face.

3. The only framed picture on my desk? The dog and I, of course.

This is the only framed picture I have on my desk--and yeah, I took some of my senior pictures with my dog.

4. Reuniting with your dog when you go home is more exciting than anything else.

I cannot even contain my excitement when I see my dog after weeks or months apart. She may not have a concept of how long I was gone, but I have enough excitement for the both of us. Our routine usually involves me picking her up against her will and her trying to bite me. Good times.

5. A bunch of my stories to my friends at school definitely begin with "This one time, my dog..."

There are too many funny stories to not bring a few up. This also sorts out the real ones--if you appreciate dogs like I do, you're a real one.

6. ...and on the same note, I go around showing people pictures of my dog like a proud parent.

"Oh my gosh. You'll never believe the time my dog did this, look I have a picture!"

6. I see dogs at school and immediately think of my own dog.

Whether it be walking around campus or out and about with friends, when I see a dog I immediately feel a pang. Doesn't matter if they even look like my dog or not.

7. I see things around town and think "Hmm, my dog would love that."

A park, a pet store, after a while, LITERALLY anything reminds me of my dog.

People have told me time and time again that my dog can't tell how long I'm gone, but I don't buy it. I mean, she has to care about me at least a little bit, right? So, dog, just know — I didn't abandon you, I'm always thinking about you, and I'll be home to feed you food under the table at Thanksgiving.