By ADELLE ACOSTA
Staff Writer
Being a senior there a handful of things that are being crossed through my mind. I am constantly dreaming of going off to college and leaving this small town I have ever been familiar with. I catch myself planning out how I will direct my new lifestyle as I grow to become independent. Also reminding myself that things will be a lot different a year from now. However, if it isn’t the new environment, or the transfer of a new school, I would say that the scariest part of going off to college is leaving my two dogs. Pancho and Pablo are my two best friends. Especially since the beginning of quarantine last March, I have become strongly attached to my furry friends. Staying home all day, it was a difficult shift from seeing my friends everyday to instantly isolating myself for social distance. My two golden doodles were able to support me through the change and help me become more familiar with the new way of living. Everyday I would wake up and feel excited to have a full day of hanging out with them. I was able to have more time to give them baths, take them for walks, and play ball. However, as summer vacation came to an end, I had to shift part of my attention towards college applications. I applied to colleges knowing that I had a desire to move away from Visalia and experience a new place to live. With the pandemic, many students have the opportunity to attend school online, however I wish to move to the city. I want to experience living alone or with a roommate and learn how to support myself.
Pancho and Pablo will stay home in Visalia with my family. However, it is difficult for me to accept the fact that I will not be able to see my dogs everyday. I continue to try and reassure myself that there are ways to still stay close to your pets while away at college.
One way for a person to stay connected with their furry friends is by Facetiming a family member and asking them to put them on the phone. This way of seeing your pets feels more personal because the pet is on the screen looking at you. You can also call their name and have them listen to your voice.
Another way to stay attached to your pets is by having a family member constantly send you photos and videos of them. I always enjoy watching my dogs sleep so I plan to ask my sister to send me pictures. Watching videos of your dogs playing around can remind you of the energy they would have and the excitement they radiate.
Going forward with more ideas on how to stay connected with your pets, is by preparing yourself for the separation. Organizing a photoshoot of you and your dogs can be a perfect way to look back at old memories. Having pictures of your dogs compared to having pictures of yourself with your dog can be very different. If a person is able to see a photo with the pet they are missing they can remind themselves of what times were like when together.
With all of these ways, students can have an easier time moving away from their pets. Going off to college is a good thing, and it is normal to feel anxious about leaving your pets. However with these tips and tricks a person can stay connected with their pets while they are living in a different city.
