A pet is not just a pet, they are a part of the family and when they die it is tough. It is tough when you lose a loved one but I believe that losing a pet is just as hard.

In my case, I just recently lost my dog of 13 years, Duchess. She was a part of our family and so loved by everyone. Ever since I could remember, Duchess has been in my life. She had been sick for a while and we all saw it coming but none of us were ready. We just brushed it off and acted like she was going to live forever. But when I found out that we were going to put her down, my heart broke.

There is no right moment or perfect timing, it just happens. For me, I got the call from my dad right after my marketing 3000 exam at 8 a.m. — definitely not perfect timing. I didn't believe it was actually happening and was in shock. There is no perfect reaction but for me, I grieved. I had an intense bond that most of us share with our animals so it's natural to feel devastated and sad when a pet dies.

Even though it has only been a couple of weeks, it is still hard dealing with the loss. It is hard to come home from college to not be greeted by her, snuggle on the couch when I watch TV, or talk to her like she was a human. Dogs become best friends, they are forgiving, always happy, and always wanting to be loved by you. They are the best companions and will always be loyal (as long as it is you holding the treat).

For many people a pet is not “just a dog" or “just a cat." Pets are much-loved members of the family and, when they die, it is a traumatic loss. Who knew that a four-legged creature would cause this much sadness, but we are all lucky enough to have something that makes it hard to say goodbye.