I've had pets my entire life. When I was born, my parents already had two cats. There has never been a time in my life where I have been pet-less. I've always had cats, but we've also had dogs and even a short period of time with fish. My family is a family of animal lovers, so pets are a must. The problem is that pets are never simply animals — they worm their way into your heart and become family. Each pet has its own personality, just like every person has his or her own personality. They like different things and hate different thing. Some are outgoing and some are shy. Over the course of their time with you, you get to know each pet on a personal level, and you love them as your own family.

Which, of course, makes saying goodbye to them one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do.

In far too short of a time period, I've had the great fortune to welcome several wonderful animals into my family and the great misfortune to have to say goodbye.

Some people might tell you that you're overreacting — the loss of a pet should not cause the pain and sadness that you're feeling. But I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. These animals are not simply cats or dogs, birds or lizards, fish or ferrets. They're our friends and families. Pets are there for you on your good days and your bad. They don't judge you or question your choices. Instead, they listen and provide comfort in whatever ways they can.

There is no such thing as an ordinary family pet. After all, you invest so much into each pet you accept into your life. You invest time, money, care and most importantly, love. It is impossible to love and care for something so much without the devastation that comes with losing it.

So, no, you're not overreacting. Pets are not animals — they're family. They're our furry, scaly or feathery children. They mean the world to us, just as our human families do.

Over the past three years, I've lost the same number of pets. Most recently, I was forced to say goodbye to my wonderful dog, Shadow. He was aptly named as there was no one that he loved more than my father. My dad couldn't go anywhere without fluffy little shadow following closely behind.

Although he wasn't my dog, I spent enough time with him to fall in love with his little quirks. He was a chubby animal that was always on a diet because he would eat anything and everything that fell to the ground. He was not big on playing, but he would occasionally want to chew on a toy with a squeaker. There was nothing he looked forward to more than after dinner where he'd get to eat the leftovers and sample all of the human food. He was happiest when with my dad and if he wasn't, then he would spend days at the front door waiting for him to come home.

After 10 years in our family, it was impossible not to love the small dog. It's even more impossible to forget. Sometimes, I still find myself passing the pet aisle and have to stop myself from buying a dog treat. I have to hold back from putting my plate on the ground for him to clean. I have to remind myself that, no, his little nails are not clicking up and down the stairs.

Losing a pet is never easy, especially when they've become so much more than animals. Some people will never know the love of a furry family member, and so the grief that comes with the loss of one is foreign to them.

Though pets come into our lives for only a fraction of our time on this earth, they make an impact on our lives. They give us someone to hold when no one else will be there. They give us someone to talk to when no one else will listen. They provide us comfort when we previously had none.

No one has the right to tell you that you shouldn't grieve because it's an animal. No one has the right to judge you because of your pain. Pets love unconditionally and to have known that love is a blessing, no matter how much saying goodbye might hurt.

"People are born so they can learn how to live a good life — [pets] already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

-- A Dog's Purpose According to a 6-Year-Old