Award Ceremony for the Heartwarming Dog Letter Contest with 1000 Entries

The Results of the Heartwarming Dog Letter Contest

On June 3rd, the premium dog food specialty store and e-commerce platform "POCHI," operated by Marketing Partner Co., Ltd, unveiled the winners of its heartfelt "Dog Letter Contest." This year, the contest attracted an impressive 1,000 entries, inviting dog owners to express their love for their furry companions through letters.

Gold Award Winner

The prestigious Gold Award went to a touching letter written by a participant using the pseudonym Hikari from Tokyo, directed to her beloved dog, Momo, a 2-year-old mix breed. Hikari’s heartfelt words captured the profound affection she holds for Momo, expressing her wish for the time they share together to extend indefinitely, reflecting the bittersweet nature of our pets' lifespans.

Comments from the Special Judge:
"The love for Momo truly shines through in this letter. It seems as though the owner has a gaze filled with adoration for her dog, with the longing that Momo's time may stretch as far as possible. This letter resonates with the deep connection shared between a pet and its owner."

Hikari will receive a one-of-a-kind illustration of Momo and a shopping coupon valued at 100,000 yen to be used on the POCHI website, to be presented around July-August.

Silver Award Winner

The Silver Award was presented to Nanako from Shizuoka, who wrote to Lucky, her 8-year-old male mix dog. Nanako's letter highlighted the irreplaceable joy Lucky brings to her daily life, capturing sweet moments like returning home to find him wagging his tail with excitement.

Comments from the Special Judge:
"This letter beautifully illustrates how Lucky enriches daily life, showcasing the happiness that awaits at home. The enduring love Nanako holds for Lucky will forever resonate in his heart, waiting for her with enthusiasm."

Nanako will receive a unique Lucky-themed cushion and a shopping coupon of 30,000 yen for the POCHI website, also to be awarded in July-August.

Bronze Award Winners

Winner 1: Kumi from Tokyo

Kumi's letter to her 1-year-old female mutt, Kin-chan, illustrates her journey from a nervous little dog to a happy family member, filled with love and security.

Comments from the Special Judge:
"Kin-chan's evolution from a timid character to a lovable companion is commendable. The bond developed through Kumi’s love is indeed the most nourishing factor for Kin-chan's heart."

Winner 2: Uchuuichi no Shiawase from Hyogo

This entry directed to Ran, an 8-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, succinctly expressed the author's belief that Ran transformed her life completely, underscoring their deep emotional bond.

Comments from the Special Judge:
"The message encapsulated in the letter emphasizes that Ran gave her a real purpose, illustrating the miraculous connection between pet and owner."

Both bronze awardees will also receive unique plushies and a shopping coupon of 50,000 yen, with the presentation planned for July-August.

Special Award Winner

The Special Award went to Chachamaru, a 4-year-old mix dog, whose loving owner cherishes him dearly, demonstrating the support dogs provide during tough times.

Comments from the Dog Happiness Executive Committee:
"Chachamaru's presence as a family member truly shows the immense value of dogs in our lives."

This special award includes a unique cushion, again to be presented around July-August.

Reflection on the Contest

The second edition of the Dog Letter Contest, hosted by the Dog Happiness Executive Committee, received overwhelming responses with a total of 1,000 heartfelt letters. Each entry expressed the deep emotions of love, gratitude, and connection with canine companions.

We were astounded by the number of submissions that surpassed our expectations. These warm letters filled with love for our dogs signal that many share our sentiment. We are grateful to all participants and are thrilled to announce the planning for the third edition of the contest, set to start around November 2025. Please stay tuned for themes and categories as they may vary in the future!

More about the Contest

POCHI, marking its 25th anniversary in November 2023, initiated the_Dog Happiness Executive Committee_ to launch the Dog Letter Contest, aiming to honor the invaluable bond shared between dogs and their families.
We strive to ensure that all dogs live happy and fulfilling lives, insisting on delivering not just delicious meals but also joyful experiences. As we celebrate this milestone, we commit to further pursuing the happiness of families and their furry friends.

Special Judge

Kako Hasegawa
Renowned for her work in children's literature, including beautiful illustrations and engaging storytelling, her expertise contributed to judging this year's entries, ensuring thoughtful recognition of heartfelt messages.