Bringing Comfort to the Often Misunderstood Grief of Pet Loss Online Music Program Launching in April 2026

KeyNote Creative is pleased to announce the launch of an online “Pet Loss Care Program,” created by healing pianist Nene, for those grieving the loss of a beloved pet, starting in April 2026.

Healing pianist Nene performs “music that accompanies life,” inspired by time spent with cherished beings.

Healing pianist Nene performs“music that accompanies life,” inspired by time spent with cherished beings.

In recent years, the average life expectancy of dogs and cats has been increasing. According to a survey by Anicom Insurance (pet insurance policy data), the average life expectancy of dogs is 14.1 years and that of cats is 14.5 years. While more and more people are adopting pets as family members, social support for the deep grief caused by the loss of a pet is still insufficient. Pets are legally treated as personal property, and corporate bereavement systems and public loss-care support remain limited.

As a result, many people find it difficult to have their grief understood by those around them, and in many cases, they become isolated. In fact, many people share their feelings on social media using hashtags such as “#petloss.” It is against this backdrop that we decided to launch this program.

The goal of this program is not to “get over” the loss, but to support a continuing relationship with the departed pet — something that continues in a different form. Applications will be accepted from March 2026.

A new way of support that does not presuppose “getting over” the loss

The grief of pet loss does not fade away linearly with time. Tears may well up the day after you think things have settled down, or you may suddenly break down even after several years have passed.

Yet in reality, many people are hurt by comments such as, “Are you feeling better now?” or “Why don’t you get another pet?” This program is designed to provide a quiet and safe space where people can face their grief without being pressured into a rushed recovery.

Isolation caused by the gap between systems and feelings

Many people feel that pets are family, yet find it difficult to take time off work or receive understanding from those around them. While some companies have introduced pet bereavement policies, support across society as a whole remains limited. While systems have not caught up, emotions are left behind — and this gap often leads to isolation.

This program is an attempt to create a small, safe place where people can gently hold their feelings in response to this “void.”

Shining a Light on Love Changes the Quality of Grief

In this program, while accepting grief without denial, we gently shine a light on the love and memories shared with the departed pet. Through music sessions, participants quietly reflect on the time they spent together, and if they wish, opportunities for dialogue through animal communication are also provided.

Through this process, participants are guided toward a quiet transformation — from the pain of “loss” to a sense of continuing, invisible connection.

This is not about forgetting or bringing the relationship to an end. It is a process of rediscovering the love received from a cherished companion.

This program is not a medical treatment. If you are experiencing mental or physical distress, please consult a medical professional.

■What lies beyond the loss

When the shock of loss is strong, even looking at photos can be painful. And yet, life with a pet is often one of the most precious and shining chapters in a person’s life.

This program does not erase grief; rather, it creates an opportunity to gently look again at the love that truly existed. It is a quiet time to rediscover that the relationship with a beloved pet does not end, but continues in another form.

A peaceful memory of a cherished existence.

Outline of the program

Starts: April 2026

Applications open: March 2026

Format: Online

Target: People who have lost their pets (dogs, cats, and all other companion animals)

Program Contents

This program is designed to support an ongoing relationship with a departed pet, not to end it, but to help participants carry that connection forward in a new form.

Main contents include:

- Monthly group sessions  (6 sessions in total / participation is optional)

- First session: 90-minute individual session

- From the second month onward: ongoing message-based support

- An online community where participants can share stories and memories of their beloved pets (available even after the program ends)

- Optional monthly support after the initial six-month period

These six months are not a time to end grief, but a time to quietly carry the love received from that companion into the rest of one’s life.

Details and application information

Program details and application announcements will be shared via the official LINE account. The program introduction page can be found at the link below, and more detailed information will be released as it becomes available.

▼Official website (introduction page)

https://healing-nene-188rkz8.gamma.site

▼Official LINE (inquiries and information)

https://lin.ee/AHJ3ClI

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Healing Pianist Nene Profile

Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music.

Based on classical piano, she has established a unique performance style that draws out rich overtones.

Having been supported by music many times herself, she now helps others gently cope with tension, anxiety, and loss through her musical activities.

Through online sessions and concerts, she provides a space for quiet dialogue through music.

While also drawing on her experience as a Gifu-based music therapist, she is developing ongoing support programs for people experiencing anxiety and loss.