No one can say for certain where our pets go after they pass.
But I believe we can feel where they are.
Have you ever felt like your pet is still somewhere in the room? Or that they’re quietly living on inside your heart?
Maybe you’ve even thought you heard their familiar bark or meow, just for a moment.
Some of you may have had these experiences. Others might be feeling them right now.
We’ve been there, too.
Even though we can’t see them, they’re still close—watching over us, always nearby.
Accepting the Loss of a Beloved Pet Is Never Easy
Coming to terms with the death of a pet is one of the hardest things we face.
It means acknowledging that we’ll never see them again, and accepting that they’re no longer physically by our side.
You might feel like part of you is trying to accept the truth, while another part is refusing to let go.
It’s as if your heart and mind are in a quiet tug-of-war.
Sometimes, our emotions move in a different direction from what we logically understand.
Even if we know our pet is gone, our heart just isn’t ready to accept it.
Deep down, we don’t want to believe they’ve really left for heaven.
And you know what? That’s okay.
It’s completely normal to feel that way.
Grief isn’t something we can rush through. Healing takes time.
Some people worry that once they finally accept the loss, they’ll start to forget their pet little by little.
But please don’t worry—you won’t forget. You never will.
How could you possibly forget all those happy moments?
The way they made you smile, their adorable quirks—those memories will stay with you forever.
In fact, over time, your memories may grow even stronger.
They’ll become warmer, softer, and more comforting as the days pass.
I believe that after passing, pets stay close to their owners for a little while.
And during that time, as long as we’re still deeply grieving, they remain near—watching over us.
Then, one day, when they see that we’re smiling again, when they feel that we’ve begun to look forward with hope,
that’s when they gently say, “You’re going to be okay now,” and make their peaceful journey to heaven.
Some people say,
“If you keep crying too long, your pet won’t be able to cross over to heaven.”
But I believe it’s okay to cry for as long as you need.
It’s been years since I said goodbye to my cat, Maro.
Yet even now, when I’m speaking with customer about their own pet-loss, the memories come flooding back—and sometimes so do the tears.
And honestly, if crying means my pet stays close to me a little longer… isn’t that kind of comforting, too?
Many of you may be familiar with the story of the Rainbow Bridge.
It says that when pets pass away, they wait for their owners at a beautiful meadow just before heaven.
When the day comes that the owner crosses over, they reunite and walk into heaven together.
This story reminds us that even after death, our pets are waiting for us.
They haven’t left us completely—they’re just waiting.
I often hear customers mention the Rainbow Bridge when they share their grief.
Through their words, I can feel how deeply they’re trying to make sense of what has happened,
how they’re searching for peace in their own way.
Everyone grieves differently, and everyone finds their own way to accept the loss.
And that’s perfectly okay.
Forgive yourself for not being able to accept the loss of your pet
Please don’t blame yourself for not being able to accept your pet’s death.
It’s not something you can simply come to terms with right away.
But even while we’re grieving, life goes on—we still have to face the world, interact with others, and manage our daily responsibilities.
And when we can’t do those things, we sometimes fall into self-blame or guilt.
In those moments, I think it’s important to say to yourself:
“It’s okay that I haven’t accepted it yet. I forgive myself for that.”
I have come to feel this way as I consult with customers every day.
The moment you feel the presence of your deceased pet
Have you ever felt the presence of a pet who has passed away?
Maybe it’s just our imagination—but I’ve had moments like that, too.
There were times when I felt that my late pet was guiding me, especially when I was unsure or facing a difficult decision at work.
When I’m feeling lonely and visit their resting place, it sometimes feels like they come down from heaven just to be with me for a while.
Since we create memorial items for pets, there are days when we receive a sudden surge of orders.
On those days, I can’t help but wonder,
“Are all the pets in heaven out there doing a bit of sales work for us?”
Sometimes, the rush of orders lasts for several days in a row—
and that only makes the feeling stronger.
Maybe it’s just that the Rainbow Bridge is extra busy around that time.
The moment we start to feel okay again—that’s when we begin walking toward happiness.
It doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten the sadness.
It means we’re ready to live with it, side by side.
I believe that those who have known deep sorrow often carry a special kindness in their eyes.
With that hope in my heart, I knit each memorial item—
so that you, too, may feel that same gentle kindness.
Designing and knitting yarn puts my mind at ease.
I would be happy if listening to my customers’ stories can put them at ease. With that in mind, I stop making things and listen.
Of course I do my best to make the cushions supportive, but I also think it is my duty to make everyone feel energized and positive.
I hope that I can find even a little peace in your hearts.
