Reuniting with a Beloved Pet: Tips for Healing and Finding Peace

Is it possible to meet a beloved pet who’s passed on?
Some people wish—even through spiritual visions or other ways—to reconnect with their pets in any form.
I’ve lost both dogs and cats, and even now, I sometimes long to see them again.
Although meeting again in reality may be impossible, I believe we can feel their presence.

In this post, I’ll share moments when I felt reunited with my dog or cat, as well as heartwarming stories from our customers about re-encounters with their pets.

Why we feel a strong need to reconnect
Moments I felt reunited with my pet in heaven
Ways to feel connected with departed pets
Customer reunion stories
Survey: If you could meet your pet in heaven, what would you want to do?
Customer emails
Reincarnation?
Dream reunions
Pets returning from heaven

1. Why We Feel So Strongly About Reconnecting

Listening to many customers, a clear pattern emerged: people feel anguish because they know they can’t actually see their pets again. They want to, but also know it’s impossible. This internal conflict—a vague desire that you can’t accept as impossible—can prolong grief.

One question helped me find some clarity myself:

“What would you want to do if you could meet your pet?”

Some people wish they could say something. Others want to apologize, express gratitude, or embrace their pet again. Those who couldn’t be there at the end may long for a proper goodbye.

Try asking yourself: What would you want to say or do if you could meet them? Identifying that can bring emotional relief.

Want to say “I’m sorry”? Simply say it out loud: “I’m sorry.”
Want to say “thank you”? Vocalize it: “Thank you.”
Want to write a letter to them? Go ahead.
Want to hug them or talk to them daily? There are ways to fulfill these quietly.

2. How to Feel Closer in Small Ways

Many of our customers have shared a touching method: creating personalized memorial items featuring their pets’ photos—whether cushions, blankets, or plush toys. When these items arrive, they often say:

“My baby has come home.”
“I found myself saying ‘Welcome back’.”
Tears well up, and suddenly they can hug again or gently touch their heads.

These items allow people to do what they long to do: say thank you, apologize, and embrace—just like if they met again.

3. Customer Testimonials

From the Sora Family

“I feel so grateful to have met Sora again. Thank you.”
Sora passed away two years ago.
“This is something I’ll treasure. I’d love to order again—please take care next time too.”

Our work isn’t just about knitting items—it’s about weaving memories and connections. The products come alive when people speak to them. We strive to deliver not just goods, but warmth and bonds.

Our products are available on Etsy for international customers.

4. Moments When I Felt I’d Reunited With a Pet

After Muku Passed Away

We felt Muku’s presence for two to three years after his passing. We heard his bark coming from the next room, or felt as if he was waiting by a closed door. Even family members experienced it. I dreamed of hugging him so vividly that the feeling lingered after waking.

Although I’m not a spiritual person, I could feel Muku’s presence, strangely and clearly.

(Image: Newfoundland dog — Muku, who passed away in September 2007)

Reincarnation?

Reincarnation is a complex topic, crossing into spiritual or religious beliefs. I’m not sure, but it depends on what you believe.
Seven years after Muku died, we welcomed a cat named Sora into our family.

Though they are different species, both have black fur and similar gentle personalities—affectionate, calm, a bit forgetful.
I wouldn’t say it’s reincarnation, but sometimes Sora reminds me of Muku. And that brings me comfort.

Dream Reunion

Have you dreamed of your pet? I rarely dreamed of Muku. But on the morning he passed, I dreamt of him vividly—even though I was sleeping elsewhere. The next morning, I learned he had died.
Perhaps he came to say goodbye.

5. The Rainbow Bridge

You may know of the Rainbow Bridge story—where pets wait to reunite with their owners in heaven.
But I believe we can feel them closer than some distant place.
For me, it’s not about a faraway Rainbow Bridge—it’s feeling that my pets in heaven are always near.

6. Ways to Feel Your Pet’s Presence

Visiting the Grave

When I feel the need to see my dog, I visit his grave. I go when I’m lonely or pass by.
Closing my eyes there, I sense Muku before me—he nuzzles my face and barks softly. If he licks too much, I open my eyes and feel uplifted. When I open them, I feel refreshed, as if we’ve played together, and all my worries vanish.
In those moments, I feel gratitude: “Because of Muku, I have known true joy.”

(Image: Muku)

Altars & Conversations with Photos

I’ve written before about home pet altars. I treat mine like a gateway to heaven. Setting up a special place lets me feel Muku’s presence.
Memorial items serve similarly. A cushion on the sofa looks and feels like he’s there. By talking to it daily or gently stroking it, I feel as though we still live together.

(Image: Custom pet cushion)

(Image: Memorial goods)

Opening an album, touching his leash or clothes—each brings his presence so near.

Carrying a Keepsake

In July 2020, my cat Maro passed away. I kept his collar and now wear it as a bracelet. When I wave my hand, it jingles just like it did when Maro shook his head. When I miss him, I wear it.

(For more, see “The Gift from Heaven.”)
Wearing something familiar can bring moments together. A shawl or scarf is another option.

Revisiting Walk Routes

For dogs, try walking the paths you used to stroll together. You may remember where he sniffed or played. Sometimes, you might even feel like you see him in another dog.
I like to think, maybe he’s just dropping by.

Finding Home Reminders

Pets leave traces at home: scratched closets, fur beneath furniture, hidden toys. Finding these suddenly and saying, “There you were,” can be healing.

Creating Memorial Goods

Many say memorial items bring their pets “home.” A cushion on the couch is like having them there. A tapestry hung on the wall feels as if they’re watching quietly.
Our shop makes knit memorial items, but plenty of options exist. Choose what suits you best:

(Customer story)

“When I opened it, I thought ‘Wow, it’s Alice!’ and said ‘Welcome back!’ Holding her cushion, I rushed to wipe my tears so they wouldn’t stain it. It doesn’t feel like a printed photo—it’s warm, and almost 3D. It feels like Alice is really here.”

(Another voice)

“On my birthday, when my husband gave me the cushion, I cried. A message said ‘Thank you for loving me.’ Even if he wrote it, it felt like our dog Ryū saying it. I couldn’t stop crying. Since then, I say sorry and talk to the cushion every day.”

(More testimonies continue in article…)

7. Other Ways People Reconnect

Spiritual Readings (“Reikai”)

Some seek readings from mediums or spiritualists to hear pets’ voices. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m curious—what would Muku be thinking in heaven? Was he happy here?

People say pets remain close even after death, and that they reincarnate faster than we do. Some believe they might already be walking around our city in new bodies.

8. Stories of Reunions & Sensing Their Return

Talking to a dog in the car:
Talking to my dog during a drive was so natural, and even hearing his bark, until I realized he’d been gone.
“It felt so real…I realized I was talking to memory.”
Feeling a cat’s weight at night:
My cat used to sleep on my feet. One night, I felt the weight again and fell asleep. In the morning, nothing—so I thought maybe she’d returned for just one night.

9. Survey: What Would You Do if You Could Meet Them?

We asked our customers what they would do if they could meet their pet in heaven:

Apologize:
Many feel guilt for not noticing illness, causing accidents, or inadequate care. Writing a letter can help express that.
Express gratitude:
Many simply want to say “thank you.” For me, even after all this time, I still feel grateful every day.
Just be with them:
No words, no actions—just presence. Watching them play, feeding them, or just holding space.
Ask if another is okay:
Some worry about introducing a new pet—will the old one feel jealous? Veterinarians say no—our departed pets are happy seeing us happy with new companions.
Casual chat:
“How’s life? Are you enjoying it? I’m doing okay here.” Many miss the everyday conversations they used to share with their pets.

10. Pets Returning from Heaven

Right after loss, you may hear a sound or see a movement from another pet and think of your own.
When I think, Maybe they’ve come back for a moment, it brings comfort. So speak to them: “I’m doing well too.”

Where might this meeting happen? In a flower field, under the night sky, or in a dream—it could be anywhere close to our hearts. Perhaps we just haven’t opened our eyes yet.

I believe our departed pets are in heaven—happy, pain-free, with friends and good food. When I feel reunited with Muku, even for a moment, I let him stay and enjoy—after all, he deserves that peace.

Author & Shop: Knit_My_Pet_JP(三浅俊幸)

I’m a knit artist who started by making custom pet items from photos of my own dog and cat. Since then, requests grew, and this has become my work. I enjoy talking with customers about their pets while creating these items.

Our mission is to turn cherished memories into warm creations you can hold—not just products, but lasting connections.