Ever since Annie Shi left home to attend college last fall, not only do her parents miss her dearly, but Annie’s dog, Tara, has been having a trouble accepting her absence. The two of them have always been the best of friends and sleep together in bed every night.
Annie asked that her parents send regular updates to let her know how Tara is doing. Even though Tara gets plenty of love from her mom and dad, she still seeks out Annie.
“She misses me,” Annie said. “She has been getting my parents to open the door to my room for her while I’m away.”
Once Tara realizes that Annie’s bedroom is empty, she walks away disappointedly.
Annie’s room is Tara’s favorite place, but she misses the warmth of her companionship.
Tara’s tender little vigil for her friend wasn’t lost on Annie’s dad, so, instead of letting the dog keep finding the bedroom vacant, he’s begun making it a welcoming place once more, and uses it as an office. 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.
Annie’s dad works at his daughter’s desk while Tara usually stays cozily curled up in bed.
While Tara seems to be soothed by this new routine, Annie suspects her dad started it with more than just the pup in mind:
“It might be because he misses me too,” she said.
Tara and Annie’s dad have always gotten along great, but they have no doubt grown closer to their shared feelings of missing her — and the daily tradition that keeps her close in their hearts.
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!”
Annie is happy to know that Tara is never far from people who love her and that her empty room is still full of love while she’s away.
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