Sophie was my first dog — my first real dog I was 100% responsible for; my first “adult” pet after high school. The runt of the litter, a little Shi-poo (shitzu-poodle mix) full of hot sugar and bullet kisses that always nailed you on the lips when you least expected it.

She saw my coming-of-age moments and loved me all the same. So great was her love, in fact, that she became my mother-in-law’s home health care therapy dog. She loved nothing more than to sit on elderly clients’ laps, or nestle right into their sides, and provide a warm place for their hands to stroke.

Only a mere 5 pounds, she was small but powerful. When she passed today, myself, my wife, my mother-in-law, her 97-year-old client Gladys, brother-in-law, and so many others shed tears for this little dog. At 7 years old, Sophie was now a memory. Something you could once touch was now erased.

One moment, licking your face. The next, gone. It’s painful to swallow.

But, just for a moment, I think we must enter into our pet’s mind. I know Sophie wouldn’t want me to be sad, and it brings absolutely no benefit to anyone’s life to open my front door to wallowing. Instead, I choose to celebrate her canine years and all the happiness she brought to everyone.

Here are 5 things to remember when your beloved pet passes:

1.) Everything comes to an end: learn to accept and understand the eventual end of your pet’s life, your life, and of all those you know. Don’t be discouraged by death — let it nurture a new appreciation for life and serve as a reminder that time is limited. Every day is one day closer to the end — appreciate now; it is the greatest gift that we know as “the present”. What will you do with this gift?

2.) “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened”: it’s a miracle that as humans, we are not only alive and incredibly intelligent, but that we can share such deep bonds with life forms that are so different from ourselves.

The connection that ties together humans and their pets is the same thread that links us all to one another; a love and understanding that we are all in this together. 

3.) Count your blessings: take a moment to think about how your pet was there for you through thick and thin. Who else is there for you whenever you need them? Have you shown them appreciation lately? If tomorrow was their end, would there be words (or pet sessions) left unsaid?

4.) Your pet would want you to grow from this: there aren’t many things in this world that are able to give unconditional love quite like your pet. It’s okay to grieve, but remember that your pet would want you to grow from this; let their passing inspire you to become your very best.

5.) You can (and should) love again: don’t let this loss prevent you from letting others into your heart. It’s a big world out there, and the best version of you has more than enough love for it all. Open your heart again to love and be loved; it’s what your pet would want.

Rest in peace, Sophie, along with all the awe-inspiring creatures of this world.