I have PENS.

In the fall my daughter leaves for college. It will be the first time I’ll be without children since I was 18.

I’ve self-diagnosed myself with premature empty-nest syndrome.

While I’m excited about the freedom of not having children to look after, I’m also nervous. My busy work schedule keeps me moving. I love to travel and I have plenty of friends. I have a full life, but being a mother is an essential part of that fullness.

I’m a mother of three. My children have been a huge part of my life. The seemingly unending rotation of sports, school, cooking and everything it takes to be a mom gave me and my children stability.

Now that the 18-year-old will be gone, I’ve been thinking about what it will feel like not having to be a taxi, a doctor, a cook or a maid on a regular basis.

Most people might be excited about the prospect of being child-free, but I worry about myself. Without someone to take care of I could easily stay in bed all weekend and eat cereal.

To satisfy my care-giving nature, I decided to get a puppy. I’ve thought about it numerous times, but I convinced myself I didn’t need a dog. Finally, I didn’t have anyone to take care of except myself. Why would I get a dog?

After about five months of waffling, I ordered a designer dog from a local breeder. I settled on a Shorkie (part Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier). I wanted a breed that was small enough to fit in my Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag.

During the six-week wait for the puppy’s arrival I prepared for Louis Francois Vuitton Becoats as if he was a real baby.

Like an expectant parent, I researched dog food. I bought ceramic dog bowls and a baby playpen.

I bought a camouflage leash and collar to match one of my favorite handbags. I combed through local and online retailers in search of a puppy outfits to match my orange puffy down jacket. I found him a navy-and-white sweater to match my Ralph Lauren sweater. Mind you, he won’t be big enough to wear it until next winter.

My overzealousness has even found its way into the kitchen.

“Yum. What kind of cookies are you baking?” my college-bound daughter asked one afternoon.

I was baking homemade dog treats for a dog that I wouldn’t get for another month.

Now that Louis is here, he has been an excellent companion. He doesn’t talk back. He appreciates any and everything that I do for him. He’s a character and full of personality.

A dog can’t replace my daughter, but when she moves on to start the next phase of her life, I’m glad I’ll have Louis to help me transition into the next phase of mine.