For those of us dog mom’s (and dad’s), we understand how losing a pet is one of the hardest emotions to work through. To us, they aren’t just pets, livestock or animals; but our children, best friends, and the one constant living thing that would never let us down.

When we lose our pets, the overwhelming sadness and anger that we feel is just as real and present as if it were a relative or friend.

One of my best friends lost her beloved Bella early this morning.

My heart hurts for her knowing the overwhelming emotions she has gone through over the course of the day. Jess is probably the best dog mom any dog could ever have. Seriously, the girl treats them as if they were her own flesh and blood. In a way, they are.

I stopped by to see her after work tonight fully loaded with Starbucks, a giant frosted cookie and a listening ear. We sat for a few hours and just talked. About Bella, about how losing a pet just sucks, about how to cope, and about how we aren’t crazy to cry over their loss.

When we make the decision to adopt pets, we also acknowledge the fact that they won’t always be with us, but it doesn’t make it any easier when they do pass on.

What we can hold onto are the memories and the unconditional love that they gave us every second that they were ours.

Bella, you will be missed.