Dogs: they are the purest creatures on this plane of existence (in my own opinion). I grew up with dogs as pets because my mom was a dog person and that I am, unfortunately, allergic to cats (still appreciate cat videos). As of the moment, I have two dogs.

This is the youngest, Jack (named after Captain Jack Harkness from the TV Show Doctor Who). He's the goofiest dog I've ever met-- he sleeps in awkward positions and can't howl for his life. My family also call him "a typical dog" since he loves to go on long walks and play fetch. As far as breeds, he's a chihuahua and beagle mix.

This is Diamond. She's a bit old (maybe 7-8 years old) and kinda like a cat. She loves to sit on the windowsill and soak in the warmth of the sun. She's also not a very social dog, so she sometimes growls at Jack when he's a bit extra. My family isn't sure what breed she is.

Obviously, I love these two to death and miss them every day when I'm at college. Honestly, the most brutal thing I faced my first year was not being able to see my little babies. I'm still facing this dilemma, which I can ironically describe in stages.

So, that's what I'm going to do. Here are the 9 stages of missing your dog when you're away from college.

Stage 1: Explaining that everything is ok

This stage happens when you're about to leave your dog(s). You feel like you have to provide a bit more attention and love towards them before you head off to college. You kinda know that you're gonna miss them, but you also feel like it's not going to be that bad.

Stage 2: Sharing dog memes and videos

In the first few weeks of college, you don't really think about your dogs since you're mostly busy with school things such as orientation and classes. However, you do realize that you've been a bit hectic with the dog memes and videos, ranging from sharing dog videos on Facebook and sending dog memes to your friends.

Stage 3: Putting YOUR dog(s) everywhere

You don't stop with dog videos nor memes, but you do start sprinkling your dog(s) into your everyday life. So, things such as having your dog as your wallpaper or showing your friends photos of your dog start to become habitual.

Stage 4: Petting dogs that are close by

It's a rare occurrence, but sometimes someone walks their dog on your campus. Once you hear the clicking of a leash and a bark, you run towards the direction of the sound. You just can't control yourself.

Stage 5: Debating about GTD (Grand Theft Doggo)

Once you start petting a dog, a sudden urge to steal the creature comes to your mind. You laugh it off because you would never, but it's tempting nonetheless.

Stage 6: Realizing that you indeed miss your dog

As you pet the dog you ran a mile for, you start thinking about your own dog. You feel sorrow all of a sudden. You...miss your dog. You're sad now, and you get even sadder when you find out there's still a few weeks (even months) until you get to see them again.

Stage 7: Using your dog to motivate yourself

Now that you know you miss your dog, you want to see them. But then, you hit the dilemma of being a school, so you're not able to do such a thing. You become anxious about seeing your dog again, so you use it as motivation. Perhaps, your going through each day thinking " I'm a day closer to seeing my dog(s) ."

Stage 8: Reunited (and repeat)

You're finally home!!! You rush to your dog and cuddle with them (there are tears in your eyes). As you pet them, you realize that you're going to go through this again soon enough.