I have a friend who is a painter, and from time to time, he creates portraits and caricatures. Although he works as an art instructor, he is a warm and approachable person who also paints in his free time. Sometimes, he receives requests to paint memorial portraits of pets that have passed away. For many pet owners, having something more than just a photograph allows them to keep their beloved companions close in a special way.
I also enjoy drawing as a hobby, and from time to time I sketch my own pets. Here is one of my pencil drawings of my late dog, Muku.
Even though I’m not a professional, drawing my pets brings me peace and comfort. When I draw Muku, countless memories come back to me, making the process deeply healing. Occasionally, close friends ask me to draw their pets as well, but since I’m not a professional artist, I only accept such requests when they come from people I know well.
Custom Pet Goods and Original Art
In recent years, more shops have begun offering custom pet goods. Some print actual photos onto items, while others create original illustrations or artistic renditions. Since I design by hand and use yarn to knit pet portraits, my work belongs to the latter category.
What makes this unique is that it’s not just a photo or a painting—it’s a knitted product. The result can be displayed like art or used as a functional item such as a blanket. Many people love this combination of warmth, texture, and practicality.
Pet Portraits as Memorial Tributes
Among the most common requests for portraits are custom memorial boards. These are often placed in living rooms or displayed on altars as memorial portraits during pet memorial services at temples or churches. Unlike photographs, portraits have a special warmth and presence, making them a beautiful part of home décor and a meaningful tribute.
My Experiences with Pet Portrait Artists
I’ve also had professional artists draw portraits of my pets. Each artist has their own style—sometimes emphasizing features in a cartoon-like way, sometimes adding a whimsical or fairy-tale feel.
For example, an illustrator once drew Muku, my big fluffy black dog, in such a cute, storybook style that he looked more like a fairy-tale mascot than his real self. It was charming and heartwarming, though very different from the realistic style I personally prefer.
On the other hand, I’ve also met illustrators whose works look almost identical no matter which pet they draw—only changing the fur color or length. While this reflects their artistic style, it sometimes felt like my pet’s true personality wasn’t captured, which left me a little disappointed.
The Importance of Communication with Artists
Through these experiences, I realized how important communication with the artist is. Once, during a portrait session, an artist made a thoughtless comment that left me hurt. Perhaps it was intended as a joke, but when you entrust someone with your pet’s memory, words matter deeply. That experience taught me the value of treating every customer with care and respect.
In contrast, I have also met wonderful artists who listened with empathy, adding thoughtful messages to their work. Sometimes those words echoed my unspoken feelings—“I’m really lonely” or “I wish I could cry more.” When an artist captures not just the likeness but also the emotion, the portrait becomes something you want to treasure forever.
The Role of Pet Portraits
Like words, art conveys messages. For a pet owner, a portrait is a cherished memory. For someone seeing it for the first time, it may simply look beautiful or cute, but it still communicates love. Choosing the right frame or matching the portrait with your room’s atmosphere also adds to the joy.
Over time, these portraits become part of daily life. Eventually, they blend into the background of everyday living—yet they quietly affirm the eternal bond between people and their pets.
More and more customers now come to me seeking pet portraits and memorial goods to decorate their homes with memories of their beloved dogs and cats. I will continue creating heartfelt works that honor those memories and bring comfort.
Custom-made pet goods made by knitting yarn.