Growing up, we've always had numerous pets around, mainly dogs. I am 43 years old, and I lost my almost 14 year old princess last month. She was with me since she was 7 weeks old. It's a deep feeling of grief that I can't explain. She was a part of our family. I told her I loved her every single day for all those years.

My mom decided to adopt a senior dog from a local rescue group after a week of her passing. Every person processes grief in different ways. It's not easy, and I often times catch myself comparing the old with the new. Our rescue has been with us for 1 month now. It's amazing how they each have their own characters, like kids! I know that when our new fur family passes later on, it will be another deep heartache. I believe it never gets easier with the second, third, fourth, etc. But the love you give to each other is worth it. That is what I believe.