Mourning your pet

A dog or cats life is shorter than most human's. It's just reality and for animal lovers -- that's what hurts the most. 

Pet bereavement therapist Laurie Leonard compares it to losing a relative. But how long is too long to mourn the loss of your pet? Leonard says it is the length of time that you notice that you are starting to feel OK. She says if you are never feeling OK and several months have passed, you should consider seeking professional help.

As far as grief goes, there is no timeline to the process. Social media has become a healthy outlet to vent your sorrows. The more you talk about it, the faster you move through it. Facebook is one way. There are also chatrooms and memorials.

Leonard says writing in a journal can also help. She says you can write down all the things you were and are worried about.

Guilt is actually a common feeling after your pet dies, but you should know that you made the best decision you could under the circumstances, Leonard says.

Don't look for sympathy