Every time I leave the house, I have a little ritual with CiCi. It doesn’t matter if I’m running to the store for five minutes or heading out for a full day—there’s always a mini “pep talk” before I go. I kneel down, look into her big, trusting eyes, and say, “I’ll be right back, CiCi! Be a good girl, okay?” She tilts her head, ears perked, as if she’s processing every single word.
Some people might laugh at the idea of talking to a pet like they’re a person, but if you’re a true animal lover, you get it. Our pets might not understand every word, but they definitely understand our tone, our body language, and the feeling behind it. CiCi knows that “I’ll be right back” means she’s not being abandoned—it’s just a short separation. And yes, I swear it helps calm her down.
She has her little goodbye routine too. Sometimes it’s a wagging tail and a quick nuzzle to my leg. Other times, she’ll follow me to the door, plop down dramatically, and watch me go like she’s starring in a sad movie. That’s when I promise her there will be belly rubs, treats, or maybe even a walk when I return.
These small moments remind me of how much trust pets place in us. They don’t get to control when we come or go—they just have to believe that we will come back. That’s why the pep talk matters. It’s reassurance, love, and a little slice of consistency in their day.
And let’s be honest—maybe it’s for me just as much as it’s for CiCi. Saying those words makes me feel like I’m leaving her with comfort instead of confusion. It’s my way of letting her know that she’s always on my mind, even when I’m not home.
So yes, I talk to my pet before I leave. Every. Single. Time. And if you do it too, you’re in good company—because our pets deserve to know that “I’ll be right back” isn’t just a phrase, it’s a promise.
