How I Began to Heal from Pet Loss – What Would You Say If You Could See Your Pet Again?

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences many of us go through. I was no exception. But over time, I found ways to begin healing from the deep sadness of pet loss.

In this article, I’d like to share one moment that helped me move forward.

For many grieving pet owners, the desire to see their pet again—even just one more time—is overwhelming. I felt exactly the same.

One day, someone asked me a powerful question:

“If you could see your pet again, what would you want to do?”

That question made me pause and reflect. After a moment, I realized what I truly wanted was to ask:

“Were you happy living with me?”

I also wanted to say:

“I’m so sorry I didn’t notice your illness sooner. Did I choose the right treatment for you?”

This simple conversation helped me begin to process my grief in a new way. Asking myself these questions brought me closer to acceptance and healing.

I Want to Ask My Late Cat: “Were You Happy Living With Me?”

My cat Maro was a rescue I adopted from an animal shelter.

If I hadn’t brought him home, someone else might have adopted him.
That thought stayed with me even after he became part of my life:
Was I truly the right person for him?

After Maro passed away, I came across a simple but profound question:
“If you could see your pet again, what would you want to do?”

Without hesitation, I knew my answer:
“I want to ask him if he was happy with me.”
I wanted to know: Would he have been happier in another home?

That question suddenly filled me with deep sadness.

The idea of Maro living in someone else’s house hurt.
The thought of a life without him felt unbearable.
I realized how much it meant to me that he had come into my life—
how much I treasured the time we spent together.

In that moment, something shifted inside me.

I didn’t want to give Maro to anyone else.
I didn’t want to imagine a version of my life without him.
He was mine, and I was his—and that made me feel at peace.

From that point on, I stopped wondering whether he would’ve been happier elsewhere.
Letting go of that doubt was a major turning point in my journey through grief.
It helped me move forward and begin to truly heal from pet loss.

Maro & me。

I Want to Apologize to My Cat

Maro passed away just two months after his illness was discovered.
By the time we realized something was wrong, it was already too late.
Naturally, I carry a sense of guilt for not noticing the signs sooner.
(You can read more about that experience [here].)

When someone asked me,
“If you could see your pet again, what would you do?”
my immediate answer was: I want to say I’m sorry.

So I spoke to a photo of Maro and said out loud,
“Maro-chan, I’m so sorry.”

And at that very moment,
I felt as though Maro had forgiven me.

More than forgiveness, I imagined him looking at me as if to say,
“Why are you apologizing?”
with the same calm eyes he always had.

Cats don’t hold on to things like illness or regret.
Maybe he felt pain or discomfort toward the end,
but I believe what mattered most to him
was simply being close—like curling up on my lap.

I could almost feel him saying,
“That’s what really mattered to me.”

Speak Your Feelings Out Loud

When we lose a pet, we often place our hands together in front of a photo
and quietly express our thoughts in our hearts.

But if you can, try speaking out loud.
It might feel like your words are reaching them more directly.

When we put our feelings into actual words—not just thoughts—
our pets may be listening from somewhere nearby.

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