For any pet-lover, the loss of a pet is difficult, like losing a best friend, or even a family member. Even watching happy pet owners stroll down the street with their furry friend can summon up the pain from the initial loss. It hurts, and can take a while to overcome.

I, of anyone, would know. I just recently lost my dog, my friend I have held dear to my heart for 11 years now.

Though the pain and tears have faded, replaced with pleasant nostalgia, the longing still exists. Every time I see a black lab wondering the streets, or sticking its head out a car window, or tugging on its leash, I want to grab it and take it home with me, hoping to bring back what once was.

Although overcoming this pain can difficult, it can be done.

The worst thing you can do to cure this longing is to go out and adopt another pet friend immediately. For some, this works. However, for others, they are constantly reminded of what once was. They, often times, set unrealistic standards for their animals. They want to teach them the same tricks and mold them into the same lifestyle, despite the fact that no two pets are alike.

Many times, people become frustrated, wanting their pets to maintain a certain personality, or be trained quickly. This frustration can lead to distrust between the owner and their pet. It is important to expect differences in pets, and embrace them open-mindedly.

I am getting through my grieving stage by allowing the sadness to happen. The grieving stage is not something to brush away. It is something to accept, something to experience. Until you have fully allowed the mourning to happen, overcoming the loss of your pet will be difficult. Even after mourning it is still difficult. But, the point of mourning is to be grateful the friendship happened. It is paying respect to all of the time you invested into that relationship.

If you have lost a pet, you understand that feeling of loss. If you haven’t yet, that’s good. However, loss is inevitable, as sad as it may be, and it is something everyone experiences.

Instead of clinging to the life that once was, accept the sadness, embrace the loss, and move forward. The loss of a pet brings into light all of the truly memorable moments, and those moments are unforgettable.