Wanting to Do Something Special: Honoring a Deceased Pet’s Birthday
Do you remember your beloved pet’s anniversary of passing—or do you find yourself remembering their birthday more?
In our case, we don’t do anything particular on the anniversary of our dog Muku’s passing. But even now, eight years later, his birthday is still a topic of conversation in our family.
Every year, we find ourselves saying things like, “How many years has it been now?” or “Remember when he did that?” It gives us a chance to reflect on the past, and it helps us feel motivated to keep moving forward.
We don’t always have a set tradition—sometimes we buy a cake or visit his grave if it falls near a weekend—but his birthday has become a meaningful time for looking back and remembering all the moments we shared.
Many of our customers feel the same way. On their pet’s birthday, they often do something special to honor their memory—like creating a custom keepsake or commemorative gift. In this post, I’d like to share how some families choose to spend the birthday of a beloved pet who has passed away.
Celebrating Together as a Family: Traveling or Dining Out
Some families choose to go on a trip or enjoy a meal together as a way to celebrate. A family outing can be the perfect way to remember a pet’s birthday and make new memories together. In fact, many customers tell me they hadn’t taken a family trip in years—often because their pet’s needs made travel difficult. One person even said, “If it weren’t for ○○’s birthday, we probably never would have gone on this trip together.”
On the other hand, some families prefer to stay home on that day. One customer shared, “I feel like if I stay home, my pet might come back from heaven to visit.” ♡
Creating a Memorial Gift
There are now many kinds of personalized gifts featuring pet photos. Customers often choose their favorite style and create a keepsake to celebrate the occasion. Our custom knit items are also made from pet photos, and I believe that’s why so many people choose us when looking for a meaningful way to honor their pet’s birthday.
Visiting a Temple or Pet Cemetery
Some customers visit a temple to hold a memorial service. One person told me they’ve held ceremonies for the 7th day, 49th day, one-year anniversary, and beyond—and with each one, they’ve also ordered custom items from our shop.
We also visit Muku’s grave, though we’ve never had formal prayers at a temple. These customers are truly devoted to their pets.
Gifting a Present to a Family Member
Some people give gifts to family members—like a daughter who continues to change the water at the pet’s altar every day, or a mother who is still grieving and feeling low after losing her pet.
In these cases, what matters most isn’t the size or value of the gift, but the feeling behind it—remembering the pet’s birthday and celebrating it together as a family. Even something small can bring happiness. For example, the simple realization that “Dad remembered the birthday too” can be a source of comfort and joy.
Gifting to Friends Who Shared the Same Bond
Some people became friends through their dogs or cats and still exchange birthday gifts in memory of their pets.
When their pets were alive, it was common to give little gifts like treats or toys. I’ve received cat toys and snacks from friends, too.
But when it comes to the first birthday after a pet has passed away, many want to do something extra special. In some cases, several friends who used to send separate gifts decide to give one shared present instead—and they often choose our custom knit cushion as that gift.
By then, the pain has usually softened a little, and they can smile as they give the gift. But when it’s delivered, it often brings tears.
Customer Testimonials
We knit yarn and create memorial goods. 
I knit threads and draw pets.
We create our products while listening to our customers’ concerns.
A Bittersweet Feeling on a Beloved Pet’s Birthday
When you register your pet’s birthday at a veterinary clinic or pet supply store, you might receive birthday postcards or vaccination reminders every year. Sometimes, these messages continue to arrive even after your pet has passed away—often for about a year, unless you contact them to update the information.
Birthday cards can also come from friends who remember the special day.
If you haven’t told those around you that your pet has passed away, their kind gestures may unintentionally cause you pain. While they mean well, it can be difficult to receive cheerful messages when you’re still grieving.
Some people choose to let others know about their pet’s passing, while others prefer to keep it private.
When my own dog passed away, I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t notify the vet either, so I continued to receive occasional reminders or updates.
In fact, at a recent school reunion—ten years after my dog had passed—a friend asked, “How’s your big dog doing?”
It had been so long that the question didn’t make me sad. Instead, I felt a quiet happiness knowing someone still remembered him after all these years.
Column: Happy Birthday in Heaven, My Sweet Dog
One month had passed since my beloved dog passed away when a vaccination reminder arrived from the animal hospital.
“Oh… I forgot to tell the vet.”
Should I tell them? Or is it something that doesn’t need to be said?
Her birthday is coming up soon.
The clinic always sends a birthday card, too…
Maybe I’ll stop by to let them know and say thank you.
What should I tell my friends?
It feels awkward to bring up her passing out of nowhere…
And before I knew it, El’s birthday had arrived.
Tomorrow… Already?
Time flies.
Since I hadn’t told anyone, a friend sent a birthday message for El.
I knew I should say something. But I still hadn’t fully come to terms with it myself.
If I make a phone call, I might break down crying.
“Hello? Hey, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Oh hey, yeah. It has been a while.”
“I just realized tomorrow is El’s birthday.”
“Ah… um, thank you for the card.”
“Of course. Um… is something wrong? You sound a little off.”
“Yeah… um, do you think we could meet up, maybe?”
I was afraid I’d cry over the phone, so I asked her to meet in person.
Despite the last-minute invitation, she came. She’s been my best friend since forever.
At a quiet café late at night, I finally told her that El had passed away.
She was shocked.
And I cried—just a little.
“I see… Thank you for telling me. I’m so sorry about the card.”
“No, I’m sorry too… for not saying anything sooner.”
After a short pause, we found ourselves reminiscing about El.
The time we went camping, played in the river, celebrated her birthday last year—we shared so many memories.
Then my friend said something that lifted my heart.
“Hey, let’s celebrate her birthday. It is tomorrow after all.”
We ordered a cake set at the café and even asked for a candle.
“Eating cake this late at night is going straight to my hips!”
“It’s okay—tonight is special.”
I had perked up completely by then, and together we devoured the cake in that dangerous, closing-time hour. (lol)
Midnight.
We stepped outside and looked up at the stars.
“Happy Birthday, El,”
I whispered toward the sky.
