Celebrating Love for Our Dogs: The 2nd Letter Contest Awards Ceremony

Celebrating the 2nd Letter Contest Awards Ceremony

On September 20th, the Dog Happiness Committee (犬のしあわせ実行委員会) held the awards ceremony for the 2nd Letter Contest. This contest invited participants to express their love for their furry companions through heartfelt letters. The grand prize winner, Hikari (a pen name), received unique gifts, including a personalized illustration and shopping coupons for the Pochi website.

Event Highlights

The ceremony was attended by six members of the Dog Happiness Committee, including guest judge and renowned children’s author, Kako Hasegawa (はせがわかこ). Hikari and her dog, Momo, were present to accept the awards. During a small celebratory ceremony, Hasegawa presented a one-of-a-kind illustration of Momo, which was created based on a photograph of the dog. Additionally, the committee gifted Hikari a shopping coupon worth 100,000 yen that could be used on the Pochi website, along with an original Pochi fun box.

The atmosphere throughout the event was light-hearted and cheerful, reflecting the love felt for the pets by their owners. Hikari expressed gratitude not only for the award but for the opportunity to showcase her love for Momo through her letter.

A Winner’s Reaction: Hikari from Tokyo

When Hikari received the news of her victory, she felt a mix of disbelief and joy. "When I heard the news, I thought, 'No way! Really? Are you kidding me?' I was just thrilled and couldn’t stop smiling. I jokingly thought I might win the 'Most Overwhelming Love' award, but never imagined I'd take home the grand prize! It’s incredible that my love for Momo was recognized!"

Reflecting on her letter, she shared,
"The day Momo became part of my family, she started to teach me so many things – appreciating the beauty of seasons, growing friendships with fellow dog owners, and cherishing every moment we spend together. My only wish is for her to be healthy and to always be by my side. I love Momo more than words can say!"

In closing remarks, Hikari expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to reaffirm her love for Momo, saying: "Thank you for this wonderful chance to reflect on my feelings for Momo. The illustration created by Kako Hasegawa is beyond what I imagined. It’s become a treasured family heirloom! I’m grateful for all the prizes and for the cherished memories with Momo that I now have."

The Creation Process of Momo’s Unique Illustration

As part of the illustration creation process, Hasegawa had a discussion with Hikari and Momo. Momo sat quietly on Hikari's lap during the conversation while they talked about Momo's personality, favorite toys, and the contest letter. Hasegawa engaged with Momo to enhance the imagery and gather inspiration.

During the session, Momo enjoyed a little exploration of the café where the interview took place, sniffing around excitement for food and guests. It was heartwarming to see Momo’s attentiveness whenever Hikari called her name, gazing intently as if she understood every word.

Following the discussion, Hasegawa created the final artwork, selecting dimensions and framing that suited Momo’s personality, designing a piece that was truly unique.

Thoughts from Hasegawa Kako

"Momo is adorable! She is so lucky to be loved so deeply by her family. Momo really enjoys her plush dog toys. I wish I could meet her again. I loved every moment illustrating her!"

Announcement of the 3rd Letter Contest

We are excited to announce the theme for the 3rd Letter Contest: "What If You Could Talk?" Participants are invited to imagine what they would like to say to their beloved pets if they could speak. The contest is set to open around November 2025, and we look forward to your participation!

The Mission of the Dog Happiness Committee

Founded to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pochi on November 22, 2023, the Dog Happiness Committee aims to collect stories of happiness shared between dogs and their families. We strive to remind pet owners of the importance and joy their furry friends bring to their lives. As we move ahead, we remain committed to making dogs happy through nurturing meals and exciting activities, aligning with our mission to enhance the happiness of dogs and their families.