If you know anything about me, it’s that I have such a heart for animals. I’m the type of person that will cry when I see a stupid raccoon get hit by a car. My pets are family, they’re my babies. They get spoiled, loved on, and they even get babysitters when I go out of town. There’s no drama—just constant love and affection from them. Even when something little happens, like stepping on a thorn, my heart aches for them. I hate seeing them in any type of pain and I hate not being able to prevent it.

My cat child, Adley, was recently diagnosed with a disorder that left me with three options. One requires expensive surgery (that might not even fix it), another would leave him to suffer through the pain, and last—euthanization. The vet was very kind and caring, but ultimately gave me the painful-to-hear advice to put Adley down. While this is the last thing I want to do, I can’t stand to see him suffer. I can’t bear to watch as his chest slowly fills with fluid and he struggles to breathe again. I paid for them to drain the fluid, and he’s fine for now. I was told countless times that it’s not a permanent solution—eventually, I’ll have to make the appointment or watch him suffer.

My mom thinks God gave us pets for a specific reason. To become familiar with loss, so when we lose people like our family, it’s not as difficult. It’s so unfair how people and animals can come into our lives and then leave so soon. So I guess this is a reminder. Don’t forget about your pets or your loved ones. If you love them, spend time with them. Take pictures with them and of them. Make sure they know they’re loved.

So, when it’s time—and you’ll know—remember that you gave them a good life. It’s one of the hardest things you have to do. Remember that it’s OK to make that decision, that it doesn’t make you a bad person. Remember that you love them and that they love you, too.