The death of a pet can feel like the loss of a family member. Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, a grief educator, says that’s part of the reason it’s so tough to go through.

She says that pets offer a simple and pure form of love that is deeply comforting. Plus, a relationship with a pet is far less complicated than one with a human.

Hudson suggests giving yourself grace if there is guilt for feeling relief when they pass away after a long illness or because they live such short lives.

She offers grief coaching and other resources on her website.