Travelling around the British Isles is an amazing experience. I have only been in London for four weeks, but sometimes the novelty wears thin. At home and at Eckerd, I have my silent room with my puppy cuddled up to me while we watch TV. Here, I have my narrow room, no puppy, no TV, and the sound of sirens to keep me awake. I love spending time with my housemates, going out to the pubs and clubs, and watching plays in the theatre.

The culture here is beautiful, but it can be hard being so far away from home. I call my mom almost every day. I text my sister almost every other day. I make sure to FaceTime my dog almost every day. I just need to know that my Lola is alright. At night, when I listen to the ambulances rushing past our house on Gower Street, I find myself making sure not to move too much so that I do not disturb Lola. Then I realize that I am cuddling a pillow to my stomach in the place that she usually snuggled in to. The tears well up in my eyes at that moment as I remember that an ocean separates me from my baby.

I miss the warm night walks to the beach where she jumps when she hears the ocean crash against the sea wall on a windy night. I miss when she refuses to walk in the rain. I miss hearing her growl at what she deems a suspicious noise in the hallway. I even miss her growling whenever she sees my RA pass my room. I go on walks through parks and squares where I see dogs and their owners. I see these pups loving on their owners and I "awe" and stare while I think about my Lola. I am pretty sure that I am making these dog owners uncomfortable, but I just want to cuddle my dog again.

Dog love is essential for everyday living, particularly for my sanity. I found out that London has a dog borrowing program. There is a 12 pound membership fee. I know I miss my baby when I am actually willing to pay money to spend time with someone else's dog. I just want to love on a cuddly creature until May comes and I get to see my Lola in person again. When I get home I will not let go of her for days. We will watch bad Hallmark movies on Netflix and go on long walks. I will get no sleep because she will try to sleep on my face as she always does, and I will love every moment of it. She and I will go search for Gen 2 Pokemon. I will try to make up for the time I have missed in the four months we will have been separated for.

After she gets tired of me, I will spend some time with my family members, whom I also miss. Maybe just not as much as I miss Lola. Sorry, Mom.