Talking About the Loss of a Pet
As someone who creates custom-made memorial goods for pets, I often receive heartfelt messages and questions from grieving pet owners. Friends and customers alike say they feel comfortable opening up to me—perhaps because I’ve also experienced the loss of beloved dogs and cats myself.
In this post, I’d like to share some thoughts on how to ease the loneliness that follows such a loss, and how important it is to create a space where your heart can find peace.
Understanding the Emptiness Left Behind
Not long ago, while cleaning up my room, I came across a newsletter from a local animal shelter called Amitié—where I adopted my current cat. It featured an article that stayed with me:
“The emptiness we feel after losing a pet is not just sorrow—it’s a symbol.
It’s proof that we truly loved, cared for, and cherished our pet as part of the family.”
Reading that, I realized that the hole left in our hearts is like a badge of honor. It means we gave our pet a loving home and formed a deep bond. Instead of trying to fill the emptiness right away, maybe we can carry it with us as a meaningful reminder of our love.
Creating a Place to Cry—and to Heal
From the many messages I receive, one thing has become clear:
People are looking for a safe space to cry.
When you gather memorial items, display photos, or create a pet memorial album, you naturally create a space where your emotions can be released. Even without tears, simply gazing at a favorite photo can bring comfort and make you feel close to your pet again.
I believe the pillows and blankets we create serve that purpose too—they offer a place for the heart to rest.
The Comfort of Sharing Memories
Sometimes, customers send long emails sharing their memories and emotions.
They often say, “I just needed someone to hear this.”
Putting those feelings into words—especially in a message to us—can bring a sense of calm and clarity. You don’t need to carry everything alone. Just expressing it, even in writing, can help lighten the burden.
Let Yourself Cry
Many people tell me that our gifts helped someone finally cry for the first time.
And crying—truly letting the tears flow—is often what helps people begin to heal.
One customer shared:
“We gave the cushion as a condolence gift. The moment they saw it, they burst into tears.”
That release can be incredibly important. When someone finally expresses what they’ve been holding in, it can make space for emotional recovery. If our work can help even one person take that first step forward, then it has meaning.
The Role of Memorial Gifts
At our shop, many customers order custom-made gifts in memory of pets who have passed away. We see ourselves as creating more than just physical items—we’re helping create a space for healing.
Over time, we form lasting connections with many customers. Some write to us even years later. I’ve spoken with people over the phone, exchanged emails, and watched them slowly find peace again.
It’s as if each message is filling the emptiness in their hearts, little by little.
Sometimes, they even come back—not for themselves, but to order a gift for a friend who’s going through a similar loss. When that happens, I feel this work is truly fulfilling its purpose.
Helping Fill the Hole in the Heart
When someone loses a pet, they often seek something—something invisible, something unspoken.
Perhaps it’s the hope of filling the space left behind in their heart.
They decorate a small altar, frame a photo, or place a keepsake nearby.
These simple acts can begin to heal that space, bit by bit.
Unlike a machine, the human heart takes time to recover. But it also has the power to grow.
One day, the sadness softens, and we’re able to take steps forward again.
If our work can support that process, then we are deeply honored to play a part.
A Bridge to Pets in Heaven
Sometimes, customers say things that truly move me:
“It feels like my pet came back to me.”
“It’s like I’m holding them again.”
Hearing words like these reminds me why I do this work.
Our brand name, “Van der One,” was inspired by the idea of a magnetic connection—something that draws hearts together.
Our memorial items aren’t just made from yarn and thread. They carry the feelings of the pets who loved us just as much as we loved them.
If those emotions reach their owners again—if we can help build that bridge between heaven and earth—then I couldn’t be happier.
Memorial Gifts in the Past and Present
When our beloved dog Mook passed away many years ago, there weren’t as many memorial options available.
Back then, making or purchasing a memorial item wasn’t very common.
But now, with a quick search online or a visit to a funeral center, you’ll find many meaningful ways to remember your pet.
Planning a memorial, choosing a keepsake—it all helps us gradually accept the loss.
And having something nearby, something to hold or look at, brings comfort.
It allows us to feel that we are still together, even after goodbye.
Even something as simple as framing a photo can offer healing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve recently lost a beloved pet, I hope you’ll create a place where you can cry, remember, and rest your heart.
Find what brings you peace.
Even small steps can help you heal.
And when you’re ready, know that your pet’s love is always with you—just a heartbeat away.
