Today, I’d like to talk about a question I often receive:
“I want to talk about my pet who passed away. Is that strange? Will people be uncomfortable if I do?”
Do You Like Talking About Pets in Heaven?
When you think about your beloved pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge, do you feel comforted—or do you avoid the topic because it makes you too sad?
When someone is experiencing pet loss, I always encourage them to talk about their pet.
Sharing memories with someone can ease the pain and bring a sense of comfort, especially when that person understands and empathizes with your feelings.
Talking about your pet helps you remember the happy moments you shared and how deeply you loved them.
These memories, though bittersweet, can bring warmth to your heart.
“I Want to Talk, But My Family Doesn’t…”
However, some customers have told me:
“I want to talk about my pet who passed away, but my family avoids the subject.”
I understand both sides of that situation.
Some people want to talk because it helps them heal. Others find it too painful and prefer not to bring up those memories, afraid it will only lead to tears.
I lost my beloved cat two years ago.
About seven years before that, I said goodbye to my dog.
I still want to talk about them.
But even within my own family, there are people who avoid the topic.
They say that remembering makes them too emotional—and sometimes, it brings them to tears.
Too Heartbroken to Speak
A message from one of our customers:
“The cushion has arrived. The ribbon was beautiful, too.
Thank you so much.
But the expression on my pet’s face…
It’s exactly like them. They’re right there, looking at me.
It’s adorable—just like they always were—but it hit me all over again that I’ll never see them again.
I couldn’t bring myself to reply sooner.
Oh, it’s not about the cushion itself.
Honestly, I just didn’t expect the sadness to be this overwhelming.
I’m still trying to catch up with my own emotions.
I will treasure the cushion, truly.”
When the grief feels this heavy, there’s no need to force yourself to “be okay.”
Take your time.
Let your heart move at its own pace.
Talking Helps Ease the Pain
I’ve always enjoyed talking about my pets with family and friends.
That was true while they were alive—and it still makes me happy when they come up in conversation even after they’re gone.
I don’t usually bring them up myself,
but when my friend asks,
“How’s your cat doing?”
—even though she’s passed—I feel strangely happy to be asked.
Talking about them makes my heart feel lighter.
For a moment, it feels as if my cats are still here with me.
Later, I often find myself looking through old photos, lost in memories.
I wonder,
“Are they doing well up there in heaven?”
And just thinking that gives me a little bit of peace.
Supporting You Through Pet Loss
Talking about your feelings—or simply having someone listen—can help ease the pain of pet loss.
It allows you to sort through your emotions, and when someone empathizes with you, it brings a comforting sense of support.
I may not be able to do much, but if listening to your stories and being there for you helps in any small way, I’m truly grateful.
Choosing the Right Person to Talk To
That said, it’s important to talk to someone who can truly understand your feelings.
Everyone thinks differently.
Some people may believe that talking about it will only make things worse.
Others might say things like,
“You need to move on and forget about it.”
But speaking with people like that often makes the pain even deeper.
That’s why choosing the right person to talk to is so important.
The Importance of Choosing Who You Talk To
It’s important to talk to someone who truly understands and empathizes with your feelings.
Everyone has their own way of thinking.
Some people believe that talking about your grief only makes things worse.
Others might say things like:
“You should stop dwelling on it and just move on.”
But speaking with people like that can actually make the pain even harder to bear.
So please—choose who you talk to carefully.
It makes a real difference in the healing process.
How Long Will These Feelings Last?
These feelings of grief—
They may last a lifetime.
One of my customers once said,
“Pet loss never truly goes away. It stays with you forever.”
And I believe that’s true.
Even now, I still remember my beloved dog who passed away more than ten years ago.
I’ll never forget the day I had to say goodbye.
But over time, I’ve found that the tears come less often.
And talking about my pets in heaven has become something that brings me joy.
I still remember the happy memories,
the moments from their final day,
the way everything felt—and those memories stay vivid in my mind.
I may repeat the same stories over and over when I talk with my family,
but you know what?
It makes me happy every time.
Knit artist: Miasa Toshiyuki
I’ve been giving advice to people dealing with pet loss for 16 years, and have served over 10,000 customers.
I hope that sharing my experiences and delivering my work will help ease everyone’s feelings.
Thoughts behind the creation of the work
Customers’ reactions
Customers who have placed orders have said things like this.
“It’s sad that she’s not here, but I’m glad I got to talk to her like this.”
“Choosing the photos and talking to her still brings tears to my eyes. I’d love to come to your studio someday and have a long chat.”
I listen to people’s concerns about pet loss through my work, so I hear these kinds of voices often.
When they first place an order, I get emails that sound very distressing, but after the item is delivered, I also get happy emails and phone calls expressing my gratitude.
