Your pet may be your best friend, always there for you with a lick or a wag, a squawk or a squeak. So when your buddy dies, the grief can seem enormous and the loss unbearable.

The stages of grief we experience are often similar whether our loss involves a person or an animal. But well-meaning friends and family members may not understand, and that can add another level of distress to the pain.

Talking to others who have been through similar tough times can help a lot. Many veterinarians know of support groups or grief counselors who have helped others negotiate these deep waters. Some people find that donating to a special cause in their pet’s memory can help them cope while benefitting another.

As you walk this path, know that your heart will heal and the memories of your buddy will last forever.