Moving out of the family home for the first time is an enriching and adventure filled experience.

It signifies the beginning of a new chapter, one in which we finally have to take responsibility for our own actions. Most people jump at the chance of flying the family nest and relish in the responsibility of having to budget, do the washing and cooking. You expect a few tears from mammy, who after all these years of feeding you and wiping your bum finally has to let you go. Sure you’re going to miss your family, but if you’re being completely honest with yourself, you’re going to miss your dog more. Fair. For freshman college student Jake Ostrowski, the thoughts of leaving his beloved pet Jesse behind was too much. When he mentioned to his mum Sharla, just how much he was going to miss the 4-year-old golden retriever she had a brainwave.Sharla did what any doting mum would do and found a way for Jake and Jessie to be together….kinda. She commissioned a life-sized, cut-out replica of the popular pooch.   https://twitter.com/jostrowski12/status/766376900755193856 Of course, Jake was only delighted. There is actually a scientific explanation for why we love our dogs so much. According to research published in the journal Science, when we look into a dogs eyes we experience a boost in the feel-good hormone oxytocin, the same hormone humans feel when they gaze into the eyes of a newborn baby. https://twitter.com/jostrowski12/status/766714225402089473 We're really looking forward to seeing how well this canine cut-out goes down on campus. And now that we think about it, why not commission a life-sized replica of yourself next time the fella goes on a lads holiday? That way you'll always be there in spirit. READ MORE