Part of adjusting to campus life for some students is dealing with the absence of beloved pets.   

Freshman Zach Kimball has experienced this firsthand.  “I kind of miss them,” Kimball said. “I used to run with my dogs, Scout and Allie.”

Household pets are often deeply affected by the absence of a family member.  The shift to college life is difficult for them to understand and adjust to a void left in their lives while students are away.

Freshman Diago Lee also shared how troubling it is to not have his Pomski, “Turtle,” and Lovebird, “Fox,” always around.

Pets can often resort to destructive habits developed out of boredom, confusion and anxiety.  According to PetMD.com, crying, pacing and damaging behavior such as refusing to eat can all be a result of this phenomenon.

“I came here expecting to never see Allie again because she is already 16.  I am definitely a dog person,” Lee said.

“It is hard to sleep at night because I always used to sleep with Turtle.  My bird is like my brother; I grew up with him.

“My dog still sleeps on my bed, he doesn’t sleep well without me.”

He is confident in their ability to cope with his absence though.  “I am sure they’re fine; they still have my brothers and dad at home.  But when I come back, they always run and jump on me.”

An easy way to help  alleviate his pets’ loneliness, he mentions, is for his dog and lovebird to hear his voice over the phone.  This allows them the comfort of a familiar voice even when he may not be around to play.

Examiner.com reports there are options to help pets cope with this troubling time.  Changing up daily routines, such as walks, can have a positive effect.  Socialization with other animals can help distract them from their anxious behavior.