Pet parents understand the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion — for some, the grief can be as strong as it is for a human family member. Maria Solis knows that pain. But after her golden retriever-Samoyed mix, Kimba, crossed the rainbow bridge following nearly 16 years together, Solis found solace in a small object that memorialized her pup.
“While she was physically gone, the connection we shared was very much alive,” Solis told Nice News over email. “Years ago, I put her picture into a tiny photo charm that I still carry in my purse today; every time I see it, I smile. That small token of remembrance was the spark for Heaven Sent Pets.”
In November, Solis launched Heaven Sent Pets out of Southern California to provide comfort to fellow grieving owners. “I know how much our pets mean to us,” she said. “They are family. They are soul companions. They love unconditionally, so I set out to create one-of-a-kind pet sympathy gifts that speak directly to the heart — tangible reminders that love doesn’t die.”
Her first product was a personalized letter, penned in the voice of the late pet and addressed to their family. Not only does it reassure recipients that their furry friend has safely arrived in heaven, but also that their connection was meaningful and everlasting. A sample letter from Kimba to Solis reads: “Kimba wants you to know she’s so happy in heaven! Here, she’s healthy and young again. Heaven is wonderful — filled with rolling green meadows, butterflies to chase, and warm sunbeams perfect for afternoon naps.”
Solis also creates photos and photo charms depicting the pets with angel wings. They can be made for any animal, though the website notes that birds and fish receive “a heavenly glow” instead of illustrated wings.
Her business has only been up and running for a few months, but Solis has already mailed hundreds of orders — including one to TV personality Chrissy Teigen, who documented her delivery on Instagram in December. “Oh my god we got a letter from heaven and I’m crying,” Teigen captioned the post.
For Solis, it’s a “deep honor” to preserve the memory of late pets. “Every time I create a portrait or seal a rainbow bridge letter, I am thinking of the love that person has for their pet,” she said. “Knowing that my work provides a moment of peace, a smile through tears, or a sense of healing is more rewarding than I can put into words.”
She added: “Seeing people react with such raw emotion and gratitude confirms that Heaven Sent Pets isn’t just a business — it’s a mission to honor the bond between humans and their pets.”
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