We asked our customers and here are some of the answers.
How People Find the Courage to Welcome a New Pet After Loss
After experiencing the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet, many people feel they could never go through it again. The grief is too deep, the memories too vivid. It’s completely natural to feel that way.
And yet, time and again, we hear from people who, through unexpected circumstances, find themselves opening their hearts to a new pet. Here are some of those touching stories.
Taking Care of a Friend’s Pet Sparked New Love
Some people began their journey with a new pet not by intention, but through a small act of kindness—looking after someone else’s animal.
One person told us they agreed to care for a friend’s cat while they were away on vacation. By the time the friend returned, they had already fallen in love with the cat’s quiet companionship.
Another shared how a family member who lived alone asked for help caring for their cat over a few days. That short time reignited a sense of purpose and connection, making them realize they were ready to welcome a new pet.
One customer even began caring for a kitten that had wandered into their office parking lot—and ended up adopting it.
These aren’t planned decisions. Rather, they are gentle nudges from life—moments that bring people into contact with animals again and quietly open the door to healing.
Encouragement from Family Members
Sometimes, it’s family who encourages the idea of adopting a new pet, especially for elderly parents who live alone.
We often hear from children in their 30s and 40s who recommend pets to their parents in their 60s or 70s. At that age, physical ability isn’t usually a problem, but loneliness can be.
I can relate to this deeply. When I lived alone, my cat was more than just a pet—he was someone to talk to, someone to care for. Having him around gave structure and meaning to my daily life.
If I ever live alone again, I think I’d like to share that time with a gentle, large dog who can simply be by my side.
When a Memorial Gift Becomes a Turning Point
Some of our customers have shared heartwarming stories about how a custom-made memorial cushion became the catalyst for opening their hearts again.
One person told us that receiving the cushion brought back joyful memories of their pet, and instead of just feeling sad, they felt gratitude—and eventually, hope.
Another customer gave a memorial cushion to their mother, who had been hesitant about getting another pet. The gift helped her open up emotionally, and she eventually supported the idea of welcoming a new companion.
Someone else told us that when they gifted a cushion to their wife, her smile returned. It helped her reach a place where she could say, “Maybe one day, we’ll have another cat.”
These stories remind us that memorial gifts can be more than keepsakes—they can gently release the emotional weight of grief, helping people take the next step toward healing.
If you’re interested, you can read more about how our memorial items have helped people welcome a new pet into their lives: A story about how pet memorial goods led to adopting a new pet
Can a Pet Memorial Gift Help Someone Open Their Heart Again?
Let me share a touching story from one of our customers.
A woman who had recently lost her beloved dog reached out to us. She wanted to adopt a new dog, but her mother wasn’t ready to accept the idea. Hoping to gently ease her mother’s heart, the woman ordered a custom cushion made from a photo of their late dog and gave it to her as a gift.
A few days later, we received an unexpected message—from the mother herself.
After that, the mother gave her blessing for the family to welcome a new dog.
Here is the cushion that was gifted.
People who gave up on getting another pet
Some customers have given up on getting another pet after using memorial items. Rather than giving up, perhaps having a cushion helps them feel less lonely. Read our customer’s story.
Original dog-themed gift for a wife who wants to get another pet
Here’s a post from a wife who wants to get another pet and her husband (customer) who feels it’s too early. Original dog-themed gift for a wife who wants to get another pet
I want to have a cat, but my wife says it’s too early
Next story is a story about a customer (the owner) who wanted to get a new cat, and his wife who didn’t want to keep any more cats. Read on to find out how memorial items helped the owner calm down. I want to have a cat, but my wife says it’s too early
Memorial items that helped me when my family had disagreements
There are often disagreements within families. At times like these, we want to find a solution that is considerate of the feelings of the person who is suffering. It seems that creating memorial goods can sometimes be a solution. My sister wanted to get another pet, but my mother told me not to get one because it would be sad.
My Personal Experience: How I Came to Adopt a Cat After Losing My Dog
After my beloved dog passed away, I truly believed I would never be able to have another pet. But seven years later, I found myself welcoming a cat into my life.
This is Sora—the cat who changed everything for me.
Sora was once a stray, rescued and later put up for adoption at a local animal clinic. Here’s how I came to be him new family. Back in 2005, when I lost my dog Mook, I began knitting memorial items in his memory. 
At the time, pet-themed knit cushions and blankets weren’t something you could buy anywhere, and since I worked professionally with yarn, I decided to create my own designs featuring Mook.
Soon, friends and people around me began asking if I could make similar items for them.
That’s how I ended up launching this website. Once it was online, customers began sending me the most adorable photos of their pets—There are lots of photos of cats in it. As I worked with those photos and lovingly recreated them in yarn, I gradually began to feel a desire to have a cat myself. I never expected it, but the feeling grew stronger with time. Then one day, just as I was starting to consider the idea more seriously, the opportunity arose to adopt a rescue cat. It felt like perfect timing—almost like fate. So seven years after saying goodbye to my dog, I welcomed Sora into my home.
I never thought I’d have another pet, but life has a mysterious way of surprising us.
