One of the hardest things about being away at school is not being able to see my dog everyday. My relationship with my dog is like no other relationship I have or will probably experience. From matching pajamas, long car rides, baking cookies, and just snuggling in bed together; she is basically my daughter. College students all over the world experience the sad withdrawal of not seeing their best friend everyday; so you can imagine the excitement the minute you walk through the front door and see their smiling face and wagging tail.

1. The excitement of seeing their face for the first time in months.

The minute my front gate swings open I can expect my dog to run to the door and start barking in excitement of me walking up the steps to swing open the front door. Her smile is priceless and since dogs have no concept in time they have no idea if you were gone one minute or one month.

2. You make sure they don’t leave your side.

Being with your pet over any break if very valuable. Your time is limited, so while one is home you make sure your dog is by your side every minute possible. Going pee? Your dog is there. Watching Netflix? Your dog is there watching it too. You get the point, your dog is basically your shadow.

3. You start to notice how your dog is best friends all of a sudden with someone else.

I personally get extremely offended when my dog prefers to sleep in my mom’s bed over mine. I start to question is my dog forming a new bond with someone that isn't me?

4. You try to win over their friendship all over again.

The second you feel betrayed by your dog you want to win them over. You feed them endless treats, give them long car rides along the beach, and scratch their head non-stop until you're #1 in their eyes.

5. Packing to leave is the hardest part.

Even though the idea of Winter break coming to an end isn't for awhile, it’s sad to think how your dog is going to witness you walking out of the door again and not return until your next time home.

There’s a reason why dogs are a man's best friend. Honestly, I look more forward to seeing my dog than my friends. Seeing my dog is the greatest Christmas present one can really ask for!