This photo is of Muku and me (taken around 2001)
Muku — Newfoundland Dog (passed away at the age of 7 years and 11 months)
Muku has passed away in the autumn of 2007.
You can read about that time [here].
After Muku was gone, I began to carry stress in many areas of my life—sometimes without even realizing it myself.
And in 2010, I was diagnosed with depression.
I don’t know if losing Muku was the direct cause, but there may be something to the idea of pet therapy. Without him, perhaps I became more vulnerable to stress.
Even now, when I pet a dog out on a walk in town, I suddenly feel my heart become lighter. Often, the dog rolls over and lets me rub its belly, and as I stroke its fur, I feel a strange sense of peace and relief.
After interacting with the dog my voice becomes clearer and stronger (normally I can only speak in a quiet, thin voice), and in just a short time, I notice how much I change—it’s like I become a different person.
When I think about it, if Muku had still been with me, maybe I would never have fallen ill at all.
During my struggle with depression, many people helped me.
Customers continued to place orders, allowing me to keep working.
My family and friends showed care and kindness, supporting me in countless ways.
The staff gave me their full support as well.
Thanks to them, I have largely recovered. I can now live my daily life without difficulty, and I’ve even returned to photographing the stars.
Among my customers, there are quite a few who have also fallen into depression after losing a beloved pet.
That’s why I want to share my own experience—hoping it may bring comfort, strength, or a small place of healing for someone else.
If you are going through a painful time right now, please don’t push yourself.
Take things slowly, one day at a time.
And if the sadness feels too heavy to bear, I hope you’ll read through this blog—my stories and the heartfelt consultations shared by many customers.
Again and again, people have told me that these words helped them find relief.
