By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Thanksgiving is about family and for some people that also includes four-legged family members.

Many families have Thanksgiving memories involving their pets.

“I have very fond memories of the dogs spending most of the day with me on holidays. They’re part of the family,” says Ray Little of Operation Ava, a no-kill animal rescue and adoption center in Northern Liberties.

He says when your pet passes away, the holidays can be a difficult time.

“Realize of course that feeling the loss and grief is really part of the experience of having a pet and the loss of that presence is bound to be felt, especially around the holidays.”

Little recommends using message boards and Facebook to help you remember and grieve, or even seek help from a professional counselor.

“I think it’s especially important to remember that there are other people going through this and if you need to speak to someone, that you should reach out to someone.”