I know my dog remembers me when I walk in the house after being away at school and he runs right past me to greet my mom in the garage. And knowing he remembers me but is less than thrilled to see me hurts, but I usually know I deserved it after how long I’ve been away.
I know he remembers me though, because when a stranger to Patrick, my adorable black lab with whom I share a birthday, walks into our house, Patrick goes nuts. He does his best not to jump, as per his training, but a greeting of sniffing and licking and nuzzling almost always ensues. When Patrick ignores me as I enter the house, I know he remembers me and is simply snuffing me for my abandonment. I do my best to cope with the trials of being apart, but it just isn’t easy. In working through our issues/resentment for the dorm housing regulations that separate us, Patrick and I have developed ways to keep the flame alive while miles and miles apart. Here are a few tried and true coping mechanisms Patch and I have worked out that I suggest for all long-distance dog relationships out there.
When You’re Together…
- Take videos and save them for later
Spend some time recording your pooch in his natural habitat, being his adorable self. Save these videos and don’t watch them for a few weeks. Then, when you’re the most melancholy, you can treat yourself to an HD mobile recording – almost as good as the real thing!
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- Save up on TBTs
Your canine friend may not check his Instagram feed as regularly as you do, but taking the time to remember your special bond will always put a smile on your face. When you’re together, be sure to get plenty of photos for Thursdays to come so that you may reminisce upon how great of a couple you make.
- Make time to be together
This is the most crucial step to keeping the flame strong between you and your pup. It’s all too easy to get distracted when you’re only home for a few days at a time. Don’t get too sidetracked by two-legged companions that you forget about your four-legged friend, and don’t forget that, in this day and age, you can bring your dog almost anywhere! Don’t let his lack of excitement to see you overshadow how much you’ve missed him. You know deep down inside, he missed you too and just wants some TLC… at least that’s what I tell myself.
When You’re Apart…
- Send them reminders of how much you love them
Fact: dogs love gifts. And they may not exactly know it’s from you, but if your dog’s happy, you’re happy, right? My personal favorite way to let my doodle know I’m thinking about him is Bark Box. You may not show up every month, but bark box will – the subscription box for dogs!
- FaceTime
Warning: this one’s not for the hyperactive hounds out there… That being said, just how the treats sent home are for them, this one’s for us. Seeing my PatchDoodle’s face on my phone puts butterflies in my stomach. Call me a romantic, but photos and pre-recorded videos just don’t cut it anymore. Now you may have to have your mother hold a treat above the phone’s camera for this one to work out, but with just a little imagination, you can pretend your pal’s looking you straight in the eye, with as much longing for you as you have for them.
With whatever method you and your dog chose to stay in touch, whatever route you take, don’t think your special bond has to die out just because you go away to school. With a little extra effort, a small stretch of the imagination, and the use of technology, your relationship can continue to flourish. Who knows, maybe they’ll even act excited to see you when you go home one of these days!
Images via Carly Risman.