As soon to be adults, but not quite independent people, we expect to get many things from our parents during breaks. The necessities, like food, hot water, cable and WiFi, but the most important of them all is your dog. You spent every day of summer rubbing their belly, taking them on walks and giving them treats. I've blown up my snap story with too many pictures of my dog just sleeping, it's just too cute. But now we have to become half-adults again and try to earn a degree. We still have food (although it's nothing like a home cooked meal), hot water (sometimes...), cable and WiFi (not strong), but we don't have the most important thing of all: our dogs. This can be the most difficult and denial filled goodbye, because your dog doesn't understand that you won't be home to feed him anymore. Here are the eleven stages of saying goodbye to your dog before heading back to college:
1. The week before
You have to spend every minute with your dog, so that he won't forget you when you leave him behind. On top of that, you need all the dog time in the world, since for the next 15 weeks, minus Thanksgiving, you'll be dog-less.
2. While packing
Making eye contact with your furry friend is a hard no because your dog might then understand why you're moving everything around. He might even try to sit on your clothes or jump in a bag since he won't want you to leave.
3. Loading up the car
He's easily forgotten about since you have to run around your house and gather up any last-minute items. He's starting to get confused and sad, while you begin to be filled with guilt.
4. Being extremely nice
Right before you head out you make sure to play around with your pup and give him a few extra belly rubs, but you both know the sadness that's coming.
5. Trying to leave
The first time you say goodbye to your dog is not the last. It might take a few tries since you need all of the kisses and motivation you can get in order to get through your difficult classes. Plus knowing that your dog will be so confused about your absence is hard.
6. One last hug and treat
You finally have to go, and your parents are annoyed that you're more sad about leaving the dog than them. You decide to have one last tearful hug and give him a few extra treats to get him through the day. One of the hardest thing you'll do on move-in day is leaving your dogs at home alone.
7. The wave as you leave and can see him stare through the window
It's utterly pathetic, seeing his little muzzle and beady eyes staring through the window as you drive hours away from him. You've ruined his day and can see the sadness in him.
8. Grief as you leave and realize how mad your dog will be
No more extra treats or walks and belly rubs. Who's going to remember to feed the dog? Hopefully your parents, because you're no longer there to take care of him. He might be mad right now, but he'll forgive you soon.
9. Telling mom to give the dog a hug
Whenever you see a dog around town and get sad you make sure your mom knows to remind your dog that you're going to be coming back and that you miss him. It makes you feel less guilty even though your dog really had no idea what your mom said.
10. FaceTiming your parents so you can see your dog
Sure you'd love to know that your mom moved around the furniture in the living room and that your little brother says hi, but you're really in it for when the dog wanders over and says hi. Okay well maybe he doesn't actually say hi, but your parents try and make it seem like your dog understands that you're on the other side of the phone. Even for a few minutes, seeing your dog can brighten your day.
11. Coming home and still having your dog love you unconditionally
You're afraid he's forgotten you but you're immediately greeted by huge hugs and slobbery kisses. Dogs are called "man's best friend" for a reason: they'll never forget about you and always be incredibly happy to see you again. And whose leg will they hump when they get bored anyways?
