Almost all of us have pets or, at the very least, want to have a pet. Whether it’s a cat, dog, turtle, rabbit, fish, or hamster, we all love our little friends. They become like family to us and, just like when human family dies, the death of a beloved pet can send people into a deep sadness.

A friend of mine had a dog, Abel, and while she was away at college, the dog was injured. One day, her parents let the dog out for a run and the dog- for the first time ever – veered off the normal path. Abel was hit by a car but was well enough to get up and walk when he saw his owners arrive on the scene. They took him to the vet, assuming he could be saved. Soon it became clear that he had internal bleeding, could not be saved and would need to be put to sleep.

My friend came back from college and, after hearing the devastating news, didn’t talk to most people and stayed homed most of the time. To her, Abel was a best friend and a family member she had known since she was little. She loved him and his playful nature.

The sadness that came over her because she lost something that meant so much to her is something that anyone may feel after losing a pet they felt close to.

Animals, though not human, may be a person’s closest friend. They are the ones you can tell your deepest, darkest secrets to, cuddle with at night, or look to cheer you up when you are down. Sometimes they save lives, sometimes they get on your nerves, but either way you come to love them. They can help us reach exercise goals, meet new people who a have similar interest in pets and add structure and routine to our day.

The love from a pet is unconditional, unlike human love. Looking at a pet just once can have you hooked on them. After spending years with them, you become so attached that you don’t know what to do with yourself. Losing a family member like that can be horrible and earth – shattering. However, it can make you stronger and teach you to withstand the pain.

Love is all around. Whether it’s between humans or between an animal and its owner, it’s always there. A person might not even realize how strongly s/he feels about an animal until it is gone, but the one thing you can take away is that your life will be changed forever.