Moving into college is enough of a struggle as it is, but leaving behind my dog was the truly hard part. I never thought that it would be so difficult for me to be apart from my dog, Starbucks. Each weekend I come back, my dog clings to me, and I fall in love all over again. Every time I walk out the door to make my three-hour trip back to Ashland, I just want to scoop him up and bring him along with me. I sometimes like to believe my dog can understand what I am saying, and I wish he could understand that I have to move away to attend college. If my dog could read, this is what I would say to him:

Dear Starbucks,

I know you don't like it when I leave for long periods of time. I know you love sleeping next to me. I know you love going on errands and going to the park with me. I know we share a strong bond, and I am pretty certain that it goes beyond the fact that I feed you. I wish I could take you with me on the next step in my life, but the world does not work like that. Even as I sit here writing this, I miss you more than anything. I know you feel the same because of how excited you get when you hear my car pull up in the driveway. I wish I lived closer to you because I miss that warm and fuzzy sleeping companion that I always used to have. I never thought being away from you would be that hard, but it is.

Sometimes you smell bad. Sometimes you get mud all over your fur, and I have to physically get in the bathtub with you to get you clean. Sometimes you pant too loudly and wake me up. Sometimes you annoy me because you won't eat your food, but will gladly accept another Beggin' Strip. Sometimes you just do not know when to behave and sit still. Despite all of these, I love you and my grudge can never last too long after seeing that adorable face. I am almost positive you manipulate me by using your cuteness, but I could not care less because you are my puppy (no matter how old you get).

I want you to know that you have always been a good dog, and I cherish every moment I have with you now. I am sitting here now counting down the days until Fall Break and until I get to see you again. I miss you, and I will always love you.

Sincerely,

Your Best Friend