When it's time to say goodbye

LAKELAND - A lot of people consider their pets members of their family, so it is an emotional ordeal when they die.

Joyce and Daniel just lost their dog Lucky unexpectedly.

"I took it hard, and I am still taking it hard," she said.

"I still think of him every day," Daniel added.

When Lucky died, the couple got another dog immediately to fill the void in their lives. They're hoping the new one will also help their other dog, Presley, who became depressed and wouldn't eat after his pal Lucky suddenly disappeared from the house.

Experts say death is hard to deal with, no matter who you lose.

"Some people absolutely will break down. You're not able to talk to them. You're not able to communicate with them," said Dr. Mark Wallace, the Medical Director of the SPCA of Polk County.

To help people get through a tough time, the SPCA of Polk County is offering a free hour and a half grief counseling session entitled, "It's OK to Cry."

It will be held at the SPCA's facility in Lakeland at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30.

For more information, call (863) 646-7722.