When we struggle to cope with pet loss, the reasons for our grief differ from person to person—and often, there isn’t just one reason.
My beloved dog Muku passed away from illness. Before his death, he bravely fought for a year, even undergoing surgery to have one of his front legs amputated in order to survive.
I believe that his long life was a blessing both for us and for Muku himself. And yet, after he passed away, I found myself thinking:
“Muku, you will never feel pain again. In heaven, you can finally run freely on your own legs.”
The Perspective That Helped Me Heal from Pet Loss
After Muku’s death, I happened to be watching TV one day.
An actor who had just said goodbye to his dog quietly murmured:
“Now my pet is in heaven, living in a world without pain or suffering—a happy place.”
Later, when I visited Muku’s grave (a shared pet memorial monument), I whispered:
“Muku, is life fun where you are now? Does it hurt anymore? You must be running through the fields with joy. Please live happily there.”
When I opened my eyes, I noticed the monument was surrounded by flowers. Because Muku rests alongside many other pets, offerings of flowers and incense are always present—proof that someone had just visited moments earlier.
It struck me then: surely Muku is surrounded by many friends in heaven, happily spending his days without pain. That realization brought me peace and a sense of happiness.
A Children’s Book That Helped Me Overcome Grief
One thing that deeply comforted me was the picture book “The Cat That Lived a Million Times.”
There is also an English edition, so many readers may already know it.
I won’t reveal the story here, but I can say that it carried me through my grief. Even now, I cannot reread it without tears, yet the unbearable pain of losing Muku has lifted.
Moving Forward with New Companions
Today, I live with cats. Sometimes I wonder if, like the cat in the story, they have been reborn many times just to find their way to my home.
If this is to be their final life, I want to make sure they live it filled with comfort, warmth, and happiness.
Final Thoughts on Coping with Pet Loss
Pet loss grief is something every pet owner faces, but healing can begin when we change our perspective. Believing that our pets are free from pain, running happily in heaven, or reborn to find their way back to us can ease the sorrow.
For anyone struggling with pet loss, may these thoughts bring you comfort and hope.
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