I create pet memorial goods while listening to my customers share their experiences of pet loss.
Even after a pet passes away, many people believe that their spirit remains close by.
I also keep photos of my pets and talk to them so they won’t feel lonely.
Over time, I realized that by telling them “I’m still here with you,” I was also healing my own heart.
Setting up an altar with flowers, keepsakes, or their favorite toys is another way to help them feel less lonely.
Continuing to “care” for them even after they’ve passed may also help ease your own sadness.
This is a photo of me with my beloved dog Muku, taken around 2006.
Although I feel shy about displaying pictures of myself, I decorate my home with photos of my dogs and cats.
Today, I’d like to share some thoughts on how we can help our pets in heaven feel that they are never alone.
Visiting My Pet’s Grave
My beloved dog Muku was a large dog, yet surprisingly very sensitive and needy. When she passed away, I visited her grave almost every week to spend time with her.
His resting place is part of a shared pet memorial monument, where many beloved pets are laid to rest.
One day, I noticed something. No matter when I came, there were always fresh flowers and the soft scent of burning incense. The smoke still lingered in the air, showing that someone had just visited.
That’s when I realized—Muku had many friends there, and she didn’t seem lonely at all. It made me think that perhaps my regular visits were as much for my own comfort as they were for her.
I told myself, “I shouldn’t hold Muku back.” The moment I accepted that, I felt a sense of peace. Now, when I’m going through a hard time, I visit her grave, and it feels as though she’s the one helping me. After each visit, my worries seem to fade, and my heart feels lighter.
Some people choose to create a pet memorial space or grave in their own backyard. This way, they can always be close to their pet and visit every day if they wish. Everyone finds their own way to keep that connection alive, in a way that fits their home and lifestyle.
Treasuring Photos Taken Together With Your Pet
One day, I received an email from a customer that said:
“My dog was very affectionate and easily became lonely. So, I would like you to create my order using a photo of us together, so he won’t feel alone.”
The photo she sent showed a dog looking absolutely delighted in her owner’s arms, and the customer herself smiling from ear to ear.
What truly touched us was the deep love she had for her dog.
Of course, we never cut corners on any of our creations, but when a customer shares such heartfelt words, we naturally want to put even more care and attention into every detail.
Our usual focus is to create high-quality products as part of our professional responsibility. But when a customer opens up about their story, their emotions and love for their pet come through so clearly that our work becomes something more—it transforms into a heartfelt piece that will remain in their memory for years to come.
Keeping a Memento Close at All Times
Some people choose to carry a keepsake with them wherever they go after their pet has passed away.
One customer told me that she folds up our knitted throw blanket and keeps it in her bag. When conversations with friends turn to pets, she proudly shows it off. She also uses it as a lap blanket in places like cafés or in the car. Eventually, it became little worn from frequent use, and she decided to order the exact same one again.
She said that even though her pet is gone, having the blanket with her makes her feel as if they are still together.
Carrying a cherished memento like this is something I can truly recommend.
Decorating a Pet Memorial Altar
Many customers send me photos of their pet’s memorial altar after receiving their order.
For repeat customers, I often see how their altars evolve over time—each year, more flowers and keepsakes are added. An altar that may have looked a little lonely at first becomes brighter and more lively with every passing year.
In the first year after their loss, their messages sometimes still feel heavy with grief. But after two or three years, their emails often become warmer, sometimes even including emojis, along with photos of their pet from happier days.
Some customers place orders every year on their pet’s memorial day, while others choose their pet’s birthday as a time to commemorate them.
I do the same for my own dog Muku—on her birthday, I buy a cake or treat myself to something I’ve been wanting for a long time.
Looking closely at altar photos, I often notice many custom pet memorial items placed there. One thing I pay particular attention to is the urn. A few years ago, urns were typically plain white and somewhat somber in appearance. But recently, I’ve seen many beautifully designed ones—soft pastel colors, angel carvings, and even personalized engravings with the pet’s name.
One customer once asked me, “Could you knit a cover for the urn with my dog’s face on it?” I tried making several prototypes, but the size was too small for knitting to work well. In the end, she wrapped the urn in our decorative wrapping paper and tied it with a ribbon. She told me it looked adorable and was very happy with the result.
There are many reasons people decorate their altars. Some do it to ease their own loneliness, while others want to make sure their pet in heaven doesn’t feel alone.
I’ve also heard that decorating the altar can be a way to process grief—each act of arranging flowers or placing a keepsake can bring a sense of closure and peace.
Even something as simple as displaying a photo with a fresh flower can be meaningful. Placing a treasured item on the altar might help your pet, watching from heaven, feel that their presence is still part of your home.
I hope that in creating each piece, I can help bring a little comfort to the hearts of those who are grieving.
Learning That a Pet Has Passed After Delivery
Sometimes, after I deliver an order, the customer will tell me, “Actually, this was for a pet who has passed away.”
In some cases, they write long emails or letters describing their pet’s life and what their final moments were like.
I believe these customers simply wanted someone to listen. For a long time, they hadn’t been able to share their story with anyone. Then one day, they come across our products and decide to place an order. As we exchange emails, they gradually open up, and after receiving the item, they write to say, “It feels like my pet has come home.” It is often then that they reveal, “The truth is…”
I think many of them had been holding back their tears, carrying that pain alone.
While our work is to create keepsakes from our customers’ pet photos, I’ve come to feel that what they truly need most is a safe space where they can cry.
People want someone to understand their grief. They want someone to listen to stories about their beloved pet. Having such a place to share may help them process their feelings more quickly.
If our shop can provide that space and comfort, then I believe that is one of our most important duties.
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