For a small little Bichon Frise he left a big hole in our hearts...

This International Dog Day, let's talk about what it's like to lose a pet... and I'd be lying if I said this wasn't an emotional one. It's okay to be sad over a dog passing away. We grieve them, we miss them and then we travel back in time to all the lovely memories. If you have a pet you will know how special they are. Not only do they become part of the family, in my family they are the main part of the family. We are lucky to have pets, they literally just live to love us and go for walks and do a few tricks for a treat. It's okay to be sad and to feel loss, even though your pet might be seen as "just an animal." It's been a year since my family dog, Beau, passed away. He was 14 when we put him down, so he lived the most lovely life. I knew it would be sad saying goodbye to him and I knew that one day we would have to, but I don't think I knew how sad it would actually be. I still think about him and wish he was around for cuddles. If you have lost a dog or any pet in your life that you adored, you will probably know the sadness after they go. You just miss their presence and their little sounds. For a small little Bichon Frise he left a big hole in our hearts. The best part is all the memories they leave behind. As sad as it was saying by to my little Mr Beau, I would do it all over again for all the joy he brought to my family's life. I don't think I was prepared for the goodbye, which is probably good thing. I was happy to be there for him when the time came. It was definitely an experience, and not one I want to do too many times in my life, but if you can be there for your dog when they pass, I would suggest doing it. After all, dogs are there for you all those years with endless love and cuddles. It's nice to be able to be there for them when they need you the most.