Whenever we lose somebody or something, there is usually a grieving process in which we go through. It's never easy, but it isn't impossible. Relevant to one of my past articles, I'm focusing on death and how we approach it, but this time with animals.

A few days ago we decided it was the best idea to put down our shitzu, Kirby, of fifteen years. She was very old and very sick. With recent, but constant seizures, she was unable to really even move around anymore so my parents took her to the vet. Considering different options, they realized that her condition was only going to get worse. We loved her and wanted her to live as long as possible, but if she was living in pain then we weren't going to let her suffer.

Personally, I don't like the idea of putting dogs down and I also don't like the idea that humans can do that same exact thing, but sometimes there are no other options and it would be cruel to watch one suffer. I think that through the process we must trust the people making the ultimate decision (whether it be you or somebody else) and understand that the one going through this will be in a hopefully better and pain-free place.

Kirby lived a long and full life of happiness, A LOT of food and so much love from my entire family and all of our friends. I remember always dressing Kirby up in princess things when I was younger because my older brothers wouldn't play with me so I made my dogs.... let's just say they didn't really like it, but I took it as a great bonding experience.

Above is my other dog, only a few years younger, named Gracie and she is my best friend. Now that my other dog has passed, Gracie needs a lot more attention (at least I think she does). She is pretty old too, but never fails to always be hungry for whatever I am eating. She likes playing in the sprinkler and take a lot of naps. Gracie has had many setbacks too, but I'm glad that we still have her. She keeps us happy.

I think having animals in your life helps with bringing more positivity and not only do they keep you company, but once you form a bond with them, it's irreplaceable. You become their best friend and they become yours, they care for you and feel for you, just as you do for them and I think that is something really beautiful about having relations with different animals. Of course, there is always the subject of what happens when they get old, but everybody gets old. It's natural and it's just something that is bound to happen. This was my first experience with a pet of mine passing away, but I am glad that instead of feeling sad, I am remembering her in a more positive and helpful way.