Losing my childhood pet hit me hard. She was my constant companion through so many ups and downs, and when she passed, it felt like a piece of my heart went with her. It's tough to fill that void, but I cherish the memories we made together.

My 8 year old cat died of a heart attack last Saturday. He was completely fine one minute and then just collapsed. I didn’t think I would ever stop crying.

Losing my dog unexpectedly hit me hard. It felt like a piece of my heart was gone. The house felt emptier, and I missed our little routines. Pets become family, and their absence leaves a big void that's tough to fill.

My cat died when I was twelve. Found her in the morning in a bath of urine, completely limp on her favourite pillow.

She was 20 years old, struggled to walk, stand or even sit straight. The evening before I found her she was dragging herself around the house as if searching for me.

She laid on my lap for hours and when I had to go to bed she wouldn't let go. She knew what was coming and wanted to stay with me.

I know this is not as bad as some other stories I read, she was just a cat after all, but I never really recovered.

Her name was Indy, by the way.

People who mistreat animals. I just can't fathom the mindset that enables someone to hurt truly innocent creatures.