Losing a beloved pet is deeply painful—but the grief can intensify when we feel we have no one to confide in, or when our feelings are dismissed. Without emotional support, sorrow often grows, and we may retreat into ourselves. But even a few kind words from someone who cares can offer immense relief.
As a designer of knitted pet memorial goods based on your pet’s photo, I frequently receive orders from grieving pet owners.
In recent years, many customers have shared a heartbreaking truth after receiving their items: “I didn’t tell anyone, but this pet had passed away.” I believe it took great courage to open up.
Why Customers May Conceal Their Loss
On one hand, they might fear judgment or that their grief is unacceptable—or feel unworthy of sympathy. When ordering, their message might hint at their situation: “It might sound strange, but…” That’s when I make extra effort to be gentle, understanding, and accommodating.
Personalized approach: I spend more time communicating—via email or LINE—to ease any concerns before starting the design.
Building trust: Throughout the custom design process, I respond carefully to every question.
A safe space: After delivery, many open up fully: “This was my beloved pet. I couldn’t tell anyone before.”
The Power of Speaking Out
When I hear:
“I couldn’t talk to anyone before.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever told someone.”
…it brings a bittersweet relief. The moment they share their story, they begin to heal. Just knowing someone truly understands gives them strength to move forward—and their memorial knitted keepsake can offer comfort for years to come.
A Designer’s Commitment to You
As a knitted memorial artist, my work is about more than yarn and design—it’s about offering emotional care:
- Listening with empathy during the ordering process.
- Bringing your pet’s memory to life through personal, handmade creations.
- Providing emotional support, especially when opening up is difficult.
- Delivering a warm, comforting keepsake—just like holding them again.
Remember:
You don’t have to go through grief alone.
It’s okay to express your feelings—even to a maker like me.
Speaking your truth is the first step toward healing.
Holding a soft, knitted memory can be deeply comforting.
Ordering Without Mentioning Pet Loss
Some customers place their order without telling me that their beloved pet has passed away.
At first, they may not feel comfortable opening up to someone they don’t know—especially a store owner like me. They might even feel guilty about reaching out.
Still, I sometimes sense from the tone of their initial message,
“This might be a memorial piece.”
When I feel that possibility, I make an extra effort to respond with care and compassion.
Building Trust Through Gentle Communication
If a request seems difficult or unusual, I do my best to find creative solutions or suggest thoughtful alternatives.
If I sense they are worried or unsure, I take the time to explain everything clearly to help ease their mind.
From the initial order, to the design process, to confirming details, and finally shipping the finished piece—we often exchange many emails or messages via LINE.
And little by little, a bond of trust begins to form.
Then, after the product arrives, they will often tell me:
“Actually… this was for a pet who has passed away.”
They go on to share what happened, and how they’ve been feeling.
When There’s No One to Talk To
Many of these customers likely haven’t been able to talk to anyone else about their grief.
Perhaps their coworkers or friends didn’t understand.
Some people can’t even share with their own families.
And so, they quietly bottle up their feelings—trying to cope with the pain alone.
It’s those customers I worry about the most.
“I Had No One to Talk To Until Now”
I’ve heard:
“I had no one I could talk to.”
“This is the first time I’ve told anyone.”
These words are heartbreaking—but they also bring relief.
Because the moment someone is able to share their feelings, even just once, it often marks the beginning of healing.
Sometimes, all it takes is knowing just one person understands you—that can be enough to keep going.
A Warm Keepsake to Hold Onto
And now, in their hands, they have a memorial gift of their beloved pet.
If that handmade knit, with its warmth and softness, helps keep their memories close—I feel truly honored.
Related articles
- When you’re feeling down, ask someone for help
- Who should I talk to about pet loss?
- For those who are thinking about consulting a counselor
My Work
