To many of us, our pets are a member of the family. When one passes away, it's like a family member is gone. I know that when I lost my dog of 10 years, I felt like there was a hole in my heart.

I can speak for dog lovers when I say that they really are part of the family. They're charismatic, playful, and loyal. Every day when they see you they are so happy to see you and spend time with you.

My dog, Nala, was my first dog that was all mine. She was a pug, my favorite breed, and the best friend a girl could ask for.

Before I lost her, I went on a trip to Long Island to visit a friend and I said goodbye to Nala. 3 days into the trip, my mom called me.

"Nala died." I heard her crying through the phone, and then I started to cry. It didn't really set in until I got home and she wasn't there to say hi to me.

My other dog, an English Bulldog named Spike, grew up with Nala - who was basically his mom.

When I tell you that he was depressed, he really was. He wouldn't eat, just slept all day.

Spike is on the lest and Nala is on the right.

My dad got Nala cremated and her ashes were put in a box with a Helen Keller quote that I love to this day. On the box it said "Nala Nieves" which made everything more real.

I think about Nala every day. She will always be my baby and no matter what she'll always be in my heart.

If you've lost a pet, you know how far your heart sank when you heard the news that they passed, and you know how your heart hurts when you think about them.

But it does get better. Even though they're gone, they will always be in your heart. Pets are irreplaceable and are very special animals.

Create memories with your pets that will last a lifetime. It makes looking back at their life better, and it will make you smile.

To anyone who doesn't believe that pets really do have an affect on people/families - they do. They're a part of the family that are missed when they're gone.

I'm sorry to whoever has lost a pet, RIP.

The best we can do is remember them and smile at the memories.