From customer.
When I told the shop owner how unbearably painful it was to say goodbye to my beloved dog, he gently replied, “It’s because you loved them.” Those words moved me to tears. Although the sadness was overwhelming, I was reminded of the love I had for my dog, and that memory helped me begin to heal.
The shop owner also gave me kind advice about the cushion design. When it finally arrived, I hugged it tightly and whispered, “Welcome home.” It felt like receiving something truly priceless, something money could never buy.
At one point, my grief was so heavy that I could barely work. I even considered adopting another dog of the same breed. But after talking with the shop owner, I realized that what I truly longed for was my dog who had passed away. A new dog could never replace him. That conversation helped me decide to cherish Coco’s memory instead of seeking a substitute.
I had looked at cheaper cushions from other shops, but in the end, I chose to buy here because I felt the warmth and sincerity behind the work. When the cushion arrived, I was deeply moved by the careful craftsmanship. I am so glad I placed my order.
Have you ever lost a pet and found yourself crying, unable to cope?
Pet loss grief can be incredibly painful and lonely, and for some people, it can feel impossible to recover.
I’ve also experienced the death of my pets. When they were healthy, I thought we could stay together forever. But one day, the time to say goodbye inevitably comes.
Even when we know our beloved pets will never come back, we still find ourselves searching for their presence, or regretting not doing more for them.
Of course, we’ve all gone through hardships in life—but losing a pet is unique. It involves death, the final farewell, the loss of a best friend, the stress of daily life, and even the reactions of people around us. All of these factors make pet loss grief especially difficult.
By carefully untangling these feelings, you may find a path toward healing. Or rather, perhaps pet loss isn’t something you “overcome,” but something you learn to live with—carrying both your love and your sorrow together.
いいえ、ペットロスは克服するものではなく、寂しさと一緒に生きていくものだと思います。
In this blog, I’d like to explore why pet loss hurts so deeply. By understanding the reasons, you may discover new ways to cope and find comfort.
We create our products while listening to the concerns of our customers.
Why Pet Loss Hurts So Deeply
Pets Are in a Vulnerable Position
Pets cannot survive on their own.
They are weaker than we are and rely on us completely.
Without our love—our support, care, protection, and daily attention—they would not be able to live. And in return, they give us unconditional love.
The love we feel for a pet is very similar to the love we feel for a child. It is a love that expects nothing in return.
When a Beloved Companion Dies Before Us
When someone who feels like your own child passes away before you do… some people may even wish they could have taken their place.
Others may feel such despair that they want to follow after them.
Even after our pets are gone, we still want to do something for them. But the reality is—they are no longer here.
That love, with nowhere to go, often makes the pain of pet loss grief even stronger.
No Longer Able to Care for Them
As humans, we have the capacity for love: the happiness that comes from caring for someone, protecting them, and giving them our best.
Pets are the very ones we poured that love into.
When they are gone, the place where we directed that love disappears. We are left wondering—where should all this affection go now?
That is why some people feel comfort when they adopt a new pet after a loss. A new companion becomes the one who receives that love.
Memorial Gifts as a New Expression of Love
Perhaps that is why the memorial cushions and keepsakes we create become a new way for people to express their love.
When customers receive their cushion and write to us with words like “Welcome home. We’re together again,” I believe it’s because that keepsake has become a vessel for their love.
Feeling Responsible
When we fail to notice an illness, or when a beloved pet dies in a traffic accident, it is natural to feel responsible.
Many of our customers have shared similar experiences.
I, too, once failed to recognize my cat’s illness in time.
We blame ourselves day after day—yet there is no longer anyone to apologize to.
In order to move forward, what we truly need is someone to receive our apology.
Close your eyes.
Think of your beloved pet.
Speak to them in your heart, and share your feelings.
I believe those words will reach them.
And remember—no one is blaming you.
You do not need to carry this burden of responsibility.
👉 Related articles:
- How to Support Family or Friends Who Blame Themselves for a Pet’s Death
- Finding Healing After the Guilt and Regret of Losing a Pet
Unable to Talk About a Pet’s Death / Carrying the Pain Alone
One of the biggest reasons pet loss grief feels so overwhelming is that many people have no one to talk to.
They carry the sorrow completely on their own.
Some even try to open up, only to be met with thoughtless words that make the pain even worse.
Having someone who will listen, someone who will share your sadness, someone who will cry with you—
the presence of such people can truly save your heart.
Please try to talk to someone you trust.
Sharing your grief can help lighten the burden you are carrying.
👉 Related articles:
- When My Cat Died, My Wife’s Words Saved Me from Pet Loss Grief
- The Family Member Who Cried With Me
- Why Talking to Someone About Pet Loss Can Bring Relief
Unable to Cry
Sometimes the only way to process grief is to cry and allow your emotions to flow freely.
But the hardest part of pet loss can be when the tears won’t come—when you suppress your emotions.
The more you resist accepting the death, the more you may feel trapped in unbearable sorrow with no way out.
When you finally accept the farewell, that acceptance can transform into an eternal bond.
Perhaps not being able to cry is the most painful part of all.
Regret Over Missing the Funeral
Some people also struggle with regret because they could not hold or attend a funeral for their pet.
Pet funerals are becoming more common, but sometimes work or other obligations make it impossible to arrange one—or even to be present.
For human funerals, no matter the circumstances, the ceremony always takes place, and people often set aside all other obligations.
But with pets, society does not always recognize the same right.
Yet a funeral is a ritual of farewell. It is a way to prepare for parting and to bring closure to the heart.
When that ritual is not possible, many people find it difficult to truly let go and move forward.
Other Factors
The causes of distress vary from person to person.
Please take a look at my own experiences, how I recovered, and the benefits of memorial items.
- My family’s experiences with pet loss: our dog and cat
- How pet memorial items helped me
- My own experience overcoming pet loss
- Advice for those experiencing pet loss
When Grief Turns Into Happiness
After we deliver a customer’s memorial cushion, we often receive messages of thanks.
Many of them say, “I feel stronger now” or “I’ve found a little bit of peace.”
Of course, the sadness never disappears completely. But why does the heart begin to move forward?
Realizing Someone Understands Your Feelings
Often, customers give these cushions as gifts to family or friends.
When the recipient sees the design featuring their beloved pet, they are deeply moved.
And in the very next moment, another powerful feeling arises:
the realization that someone so close to them truly understands their grief and cares for their heart.
They think, “I am not alone. This person sees me, supports me, and has given me such a thoughtful gift.”
That simple awareness itself brings comfort and strength.
Finally Able to Say “I’m Sorry”
Many people even speak to the cushion.
Some share words they could never say before—especially those who still feel responsible for not noticing their pet’s illness, or for other regrets.
Others say “thank you.”
For them, the cushion becomes a bridge to heaven, a way to express feelings they once had no place to put.
Remembering Happy Days with Their Pet
Over time, customers tell us that the cushion helps them recall the happy days they shared with their pets.
They remember just how much love they gave—and received.
And even if tears still come, those memories slowly transform into something warm, something they can cherish as beautiful moments rather than unbearable grief.
Finding a Way to Live With Pet Loss
Losing a pet is never something we simply “get over.” The grief stays with us, but so does the love. By remembering the happy days and finding new ways to express our feelings—such as through memorial gifts—we can begin to heal. Our pets live on forever in our hearts.
