I want to start off by saying how much I miss you and how sorry that I am that I left you and went off to college. Trust me, it hurts me just as much as it hurts you. I want to let you know that you were one of the hardest things to leave (sorry, Mom and Dad), and that you’re the one I miss the most (again, sorry).

Cate Thayer and her dog Annie

At times, I get really scared that you’ve forgotten about me, because I’m no longer there to greet you when I get home from school. I'm not there to take you on walks, give you all my leftovers, play with you and attempt to teach you new tricks. It scares me, but time and time again you’ve proven that I have nothing to worry about by attacking me with kisses the second I pull into the driveway again.

Ciara Reutzel and her dog Koda

I miss the days when I would watch you grow up and be around you every single day. The days when I wouldn’t have to pick up my food off the floor after I accidentally drop it. The days when your kisses and snuggles would instantly brighten up my mood. Even now when Mom sends me a picture of you, it instantly makes me happy, and I have to show all my friends.

It pains me to think that one day you may not be around anymore. I pray that that day is way off in the future, and after I graduate school. The only thing that I have to look forward to after college and probably moving back in with my parents is that I’ll get to see you every day!

Aly Perrill and her dog Hal

I hate how winter break is such a tease. I get to see you every day, and you’re always there after I roll out of bed and finally venture into the kitchen to make some breakfast at noon. You seem so excited that I am home, like it’s a surprise again every day. Then I go back off to school: of course I’m excited to see all my friends, but part of me still misses you.

I wish that I had spent more time with you in high school, because I’ve come to see how much I really love you and how much I actually miss you at school. There are some days when I think of taking the long drive back home just so I can hang out with you again.

Overall, I just want you to know how much I miss you. Know that I still think about you every day, and in no way have I forgotten about you. I am sorry I left you for college; sometimes I wish I could drop out and just hang with you all day.

Love you with all my heart!

P.S. You are still the cutest dog I know, and I brag about you to my friends all the time.

Me and my dogs Daisy and Bella