Things at home haven’t been the same since Annie Shi left to go to college last fall. Of course, her parents miss her terribly, but they also realize that’s just how things are.
Tara, Annie’s dog, has been struggling a little more to adjust to her absence. After all, they had always been the greatest of friends, sleeping in bed together every night.
After heading off to school, Annie asked that her parents send regular updates to let her know how Tara is doing — and that’s how she learned that the pup has had some trouble coping with her being gone.
Tara certainly gets plenty of love from her mom and dad, but still seeks out Annie’s company in vain.
“She misses me,” Annie told. “She has been getting my parents to open the door to my room for her while I’m away.”
Tara constantly feels devastated and leaves the room dejected when she notices that Annie’s bedroom is vacant.
Tara’s favorite area is undoubtedly Annie’s room, but she also enjoys the warmth of her friends’ company.
The specialness of Tara’s tender little vigil for her friend wasn’t lost on Annie’s dad. So, rather than let the dog keep finding the bedroom sadly vacant, he’s begun making it a welcoming place once more — by using it as his office.
Adding his comforting presence has made all the difference for the dog.
“Tara won’t stay in the room if there’s no one with her, so Dad has been working in my room every day,” Annie said.
As Annie’s dad works at his daughter’s desk, Tara usually stays cozily curled up in bed, just like old times.
Annie believes her dad began this new ritual with more than just the dog in mind, even if Tara seemed to be comforted by it:
She speculated, “It may be that he misses me too.
Even while Tara and Annie’s dad have always gotten along well, their shared sentiments of missing her and the daily ritual that keeps her near to their hearts have undoubtedly helped them become closer.
Fortunately, despite being off at college, Annie is still very much in her family’s life, and she comes home to visit Tara every chance that she gets.
“I’ve missed her so much but the train ride home only takes three hours,” Annie said. “She’s always eager to see me!”
While Tara is away from her loved ones, Annie is happy to know that she is never alone and that her empty room at home is still filled with affection.
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