Inside the world of pet funerals

Earlier this year, Wang's book, As a Pet Mortician, was published by Guangxi Normal University Press, based on his observations over the past six years.

"The pet economy has grown significantly. An editor saw my posts on social media and asked if I would be interested in writing a book. Over the years, I've gathered many stories that I haven't had the chance to share. Creating short videos often doesn't allow me to explore the depth I aim for, so I agreed," he says.

"I have seen every kind of sorrow; the struggles of elderly residents, migrant workers and people from all walks of life. If I don't tell their stories, they will disappear without a trace, and forgetting is the true start of death."

After six years in the industry, Wang occasionally feels a sense of helplessness as he realizes that real grief starts when funerals end. To help owners cope, Rainbow Star now provides a set of cards offering practical advice for the days that follow the funeral.

Looking ahead, Wang plans to study trauma, bereavement and emotional healing.

"Talking with people is important," he says, "but it would be better if we could provide different perspectives and advice that can help people manage their grief and loss."

In the preface to Wang's book, former television host Zhang Yue writes: "Yinghao and his colleagues chose this profession and have documented their experiences. The warmth and coldness of human nature, and the joys and sorrows of the world that they encounter along the way, have become both their trials and their rewards. Facing death allows one to better understand how to live, and helping others face death with dignity is a valuable endeavor."