Our dog Ruby has been moping around for the past couple of weeks. There was a big change that happened in the household last weekend, and I think she is still in the midst of adjusting.

Last Saturday, my fourth and last child moved out to go to college, and things are just not the same.

Ruby has always been a dog that does not fare well with change even though she knows it is inevitable, and she knew this day would come.

But after having children in the house for years, the finality of them all being gone has been sad for her.

The house is always quiet now, not that my baby girl was very loud, but there was usually some type of bumping noise coming from her room that Ruby and I would hear when she was practicing a dance routine.

And now my daughter’s bed is always made. Before Ruby would walk by wondering if she would ever pick up, but currently she just passes the door trying not to glance in that direction.

It is still just too painful, I guess, to comprehend her room will stay straightened up for consecutive days and weeks.

I really thought this would please Ruby because she liked it when the bed was made, but having all the pillows and covers in perfect order is not as satisfying as she must have thought it would be.

Ruby also misses the family night ritual of watching TV All four of us would pile up in the den to watch our favorite shows.

Even though a cell phone was lying close by, Ruby knew the youngest member of the household liked being there too.

Ruby is not a young dog anymore, but having a child living in the house a bit later than most has kept her young.

She may not be able to run and jump around like she did when she was younger, but she has managed to find ways to compensate — like being a tad bit more laid back on occasion.

I am not sure how long it is going to take Ruby to feel like herself again; I just hope it is soon.

Missing someone can take its toll.

There are people that say things will be great once you get used to all the children being gone, but I am pretty sure Ruby is not at that juncture yet.

People have also been trying to console Ruby and reassure her there will be weekends and holidays for visits.

Poor Ruby. She tried really hard to prepare herself for this, but I guess there are some things you just cannot plan; you just have to live through them.

I have seen other dogs make it through this transition, and even enjoy this new life. So I feel confidant Ruby will eventually be happy again. I guess it is just going to take some time.

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Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer with The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.