I want my pets and myself to live happily until the very end

In recent years, it seems the lifespan of chinchillas, the small animals I also have at home, has been increasing. Compared to the past, the methods and environments for raising chinchillas have improved, and it seems quite a few of them are now living past the age of 20.

My husband and I were happily talking about this.
When we first welcomed our chinchilla, Kedama, we said, 'Let's aim for 10 years first,' but the idea of being together for 20 years feels like a dream.

However, it suddenly occurred to me... we are in our 50s. If Kedama lives for 20 years or more... we have reached a situation where we don't know who will pass away first...

Personally, I have told my husband that even if it's just a portion of our ashes, I want the three of us (two people and one pet) to be together, perhaps by having them scattered somewhere.
I told my husband, 'The last one left needs to take responsibility,' but there is a possibility he might pass away before me, and in the worst-case scenario, Kedama could end up being the last one left...

When we talked about that, we decided that we really can't die and leave Kedama behind, so we should take care of our health and live a long life!

I often talk with my childhood friend about how we can't afford to die yet.
She says she has to try hard to live a long life because she can't leave her five cats behind.
That said, she has family. In our home, there is no one to leave them to. This difference is significant.

Perhaps the reason I have more opportunities to talk about this in various places is that we have reached an age where we think about our own lifespans.
It might be because the lifespans of pets have increased.
It might be because more people are living with pets as family members.
It might be because pets and owners affected by disasters have gained attention, making us think about 'what if'.

Regardless, since the world is moving toward protecting a better life for animals, we as owners must fulfill our responsibilities.

In the midst of this, I had the opportunity to speak at the currently ongoing 'End-of-Life Planning Festival' (Shukatsu Festival).
In my pet loss seminar, I make sure to touch upon the grief associated with a pet's illness and anticipatory grief. Also, I am engaged in gentle activities, wanting to provide care and follow-up before the farewell rather than just after, and to share tips for a happy life to help alleviate pet loss.

At the End-of-Life Planning Festival, I was able to listen to valuable talks from several other speakers, and I realized that while the forms may differ, our thoughts are the same.

For both people and animals, the day life ends will come. What you can do for your loved ones. What you want to do for them.
Also, to reduce future anxiety, talking about end-of-life planning—which is important but difficult to bring up—while you are still healthy. That becomes an opportunity to think about how to live happily.

I hope this becomes a place where I can think about the future with pets together with the participating owners, and where we can all talk about it.

Please check the event details and how to participate below.

And finally,

With incredible timing, my favorite YouTuber uploaded a video like this.
Usually, it's a video of them hiking with their dog, which is a relaxing treat for my husband and me, but this time I was truly surprised.

I feel something significant about this video being released at this timing.

It made me realize once again that we need to think about our old age with our pets.
I felt a strong desire to talk with other pet owners.

There are many things in life that don't go as planned, but if you decide how you want things to be, perhaps your core won't waver even in the midst of a panic.
Also, if you have the information beforehand, perhaps you can reduce the amount of thinking you have to do later.

Everyone, let's talk at the End-of-Life Planning Festival!
No, it's okay if you don't talk.
Please just come by to see what we're doing.
You don't even have to show your face.
I'll be waiting for you.

I, Kedama-do, will be on Thursday the 27th from 20:00.
June 27, 2024
20:00 - 20:50
Google Meet link

https://meet.google.com/nok-onhc-jci

On the 22nd, you can also hear about digital job hunting from job hunting advisor Naru-san.

In addition, there will be plenty of other topics, such as money-related matters!
You can also view the details and various guides from the links below.