Do you keep photos of your deceased pet on display?
Or do you keep them tucked away where you can’t see them?
I create knitted memorial goods for pets, and many of my customers tell me:
“I want to place an order, but right now it’s still too painful to even look at photos.”
So today, I’d like to share my own experience, along with some thoughts on how I’ve chosen to display my pets’ photos, for those who are struggling to face them.
When It Hurts to Look at Photos of a Pet Who Passed Away
When I open my cat’s photo album, it’s full of adorable, healing memories.
After some time passed since my tabby cat Maro crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I placed photos of him around my room.
But sometimes looking at those pictures made me cry.
Because of that, I often repeated the cycle of putting photos up, then taking them down again.
Recently, I changed out an old picture for a new one and placed it in a black frame I happened to have. To my surprise, the black frame made it look like a memorial portrait, and instead of bringing back Maro’s cuteness and the joy of our time together, it only deepened the sadness.
Of course, grieving is important too. But since he was such a sweet, adorable cat, I realized I wanted to put his photo in a frame that reflected that warmth.
Advice for When It’s Too Painful to Look
I’ve gone through times when even glancing at photos was too much.
During those periods, I learned not to force myself.
I would open the album, start crying, close it. Look at a photo on my phone, remember him, then turn off the screen. It was a cycle I repeated many times.
But even in tears, every time I saw Maro’s face, I still felt comforted by his presence.
One piece of advice I received was to create a small altar and place his photo there.
When I tried it, I felt deeply comforted.
With the altar, I realized something important:
“When I want to see him, I know exactly where to go.”
That brought me peace, and I no longer felt the pressure of needing to look at photos constantly.
It reminded me of how, when Maro was alive, sometimes I didn’t know where he was—sleeping in a closet or inside a cardboard box—and I’d go looking for him before leaving the house. Now, with the altar, I could imagine:
“He’s in that room again, waiting for me.”
Choosing Where and How to Display Photos
Another idea is to choose one room for the photos. For me, it’s my bedroom. That way, I don’t unexpectedly stumble upon them in daily life, but when I head to bed, I know it’s “time to see Maro.”
When photos feel too heavy, changing how you display them can help.
A darker frame may suit a time when you still need to fully grieve. Some people never move forward because they haven’t truly allowed themselves to cry. In those cases, giving yourself permission to mourn openly is important.
Once you’ve had the chance to cry and release those feelings, try switching to a cute or cheerful frame. Step by step, you’ll find yourself able to look at photos with a smile.
Personally, I’ve tried many styles—moving the photos, placing them alongside my favorite books, or next to the old camera I used to photograph him. Adding personal touches makes the space more comforting.
A Special Frame as a Gift for Pet
Think of a nice photo frame as a present for your pet. Just as you once gave them toys, treats, or birthday cakes, now you can give them a beautiful frame.
Even if it’s a little expensive or fancier than you’d normally buy, it can feel meaningful—like offering flowers or fresh water.
When I replaced my black frame with a brighter, cuter one, I felt a big shift. It was a small step forward in healing.
Customers’ Experiences
Because I create memorial goods, I often ask customers to choose photos. Many tell me:
“It’s still too painful to pick one right now.”
In those cases, I reassure them—there’s no rush. Some people share their feelings with me, some return months later when they’re ready.
Each person grieves at their own pace. My hope is simply to offer gentle support.
Unlike printed items, our knitted memorial cushions carry a warmth in the stitches. You can even hold and hug them, like embracing your pet again.
Customer Reviews
Naoko:
“My dog of 16 years passed away, and I cried every single day. I couldn’t even open the box when the knitted cushion first arrived. But as the days passed, I thought, for my dog’s sake, I must try to be strong. When I finally opened it, I was shocked—it felt like my dog had come home. I’m no longer lonely. Thank you so much.”
Another customer:
“When I opened the box and met Shio’s eyes again, I couldn’t stop the tears. I had been relying on medication just to get through each day. But choosing the photos for this cushion—something I thought I couldn’t do—helped me face my grief step by step. Thank you for your kind support along the way.”
Another voice:
“I just wanted to hold my cat again, even once. The knitted cushion gave me that chance. Having their whole body recreated in yarn was the best choice I could have made.”
編み物のメモリアルグッズ
Why Knitted Memorial Goods
There are many pet memorial goods available today, but ours are unique because they are made through knitting.
They aren’t printed. Each piece begins with a hand-drawn design, then comes to life with yarn. That warmth and texture make them truly special.
If you, too, want to remember your beloved pet in a way that feels soft, warm, and close to your heart, I invite you to take a look at our knitted cushions.
✨ “Even when it hurts to see their photos, there are gentle ways to keep your pet close to you. Step by step, you’ll find your own way forward.”
