On New Year's Day, a group of friends and I witnessed our good friend's elderly dog tragically pass away in front of our eyes. We all watched in shocked silence as our pal clutched her beloved companion of over twelve years and uncontrollably sobbed. It was heartbreaking to witness, knowing there was nothing I could do to ease the pain she was feeling. During that time, I couldn't help but think about the passing's of my animals, more specifically my kitty, Jimmy.

I remember all the raw emotions I felt upon hearing of his death and how long it took me to comfortably bring up his name and talk about him to other people without starting to cry. I eventually found peace with his passing when I adopted my adorable geriatric Maine Coon, Percy. I truly felt for my friend and the pain and grief she was feeling.

When experiencing the loss of a beloved pet, it's often slighted and shrugged off by the majority. Many expect you to "move on" and act like nothing is wrong. They like to tell you that "they're in a better place now," and "It's all a part of life," but that doesn't validate your feelings, and it sure as heck doesn't make you feel any better. People tend to put a time stamp on your grief when there is no time limit in mourning. There's no denying that the death of an animal is upsetting to most individuals but expressing your grief of a pet often is looked differently in society than the death of a person.

People use a variety of ways to cope with the loss of a pet. Some like to continue about their daily tasks, masking their emotions, others like to vocalize their grief, often posting photos and videos on social media of their late pet. Some even cope with the loss by going out and picking out a new furry friend. It's important to find something that helps ease your distress, no matter what it is.

I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that it's totally okay to mourn the passing of your pet. You should not feel weird and ashamed to feel the loss you're feeling, because to you, your pet was a family member. Don't ever let others undermine your feelings because you're not alone. Seek the love and support from your friends and family, because it's times like this when you need them the most.