When Your New Dog Doesn’t Feel Like a Reincarnation
— A Call from a Grieving Pet Owner
One day, we received a phone call at our shop.
Caller:
“I need someone to talk to about my grief. I recently lost my beloved dog, and now my family has brought home a new one that looks just like him. But even though they look alike, their personalities are completely different. I was hoping for a reincarnation… I wanted him to come back to me.”
Hearing this, I felt a heartbroken.
It’s not the new dog’s fault—and yet, how will this play out?
Perhaps the rest of the family will shower love and care on the new pet. But if possible, I hope everyone in the family can embrace and love this dog together.
True Bonds Take Time to Grow
I gently shared my thoughts with the customer:
“Sometimes we only realize it was a fateful encounter after spending years together. One day, you might look back and say,
‘Yes, this dog was truly meant to be in my life.’
The more time you spend with your new dog, the more your love will grow.
You may begin to appreciate their unique personality, and little by little, affection will take root. Along the way, you might even notice small similarities that remind you of your previous dog.”
Love doesn’t always come instantly—it can blossom slowly with time.
I sincerely hope the day will come when this customer can love their new companion wholeheartedly.
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Every Pet Is Irreplaceable — But There’s Room for New Love
Many of our customers have told me:
And I believe that’s how most pet owners feel.
To them, their pet was one of a kind—truly irreplaceable.
It’s not that they love all animals equally.
They love their pet. The one they shared their life with.
I feel the same way.
And yet, it’s often these deeply loving people who eventually welcome a new pet into their lives.
I think that’s a beautiful thing.
They don’t try to replace the one they lost.
Instead, they learn to accept and appreciate the new pet for who they are—with their own unique personality.
Why is that possible?
Because they’re truly seeing the individual in front of them—not a replacement, not a copy, but a new soul with a new story.
Everyone grieves differently, and the time it takes to open your heart to a new pet varies from person to person.
But when I hear from customers that they’ve found a new companion, it always brings me joy.
I think to myself:
“This new pet will surely be loved and cherished too.”
And that thought fills me with happiness.
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My Work: Knitted pillow pet memorial cushion.
