Pet Funerals: Respect for Man's Best Friend

After six weeks of waiting and several phone calls, *Karen Webber finally got the news she was waiting for.

Her longtime veterinarian informed her that her cat's ashes were available at their facility. Suspiciously, she was given this information within an hour of her last phone call to the clinic. As if the death and cremation of her beloved pet weren't difficult to deal with, she also doubts that she truly has her cat's ashes.

There must be a better way to say goodbye than this. Helen Hobbs, veteran funeral director and owner of Pets at Peace and Memorial Services, thinks so. Since 2003, she and her business partner have been fulfilling this need by offering pet cremation services online. A survey conducted by Ipsos Reid estimates that there are 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs living in Canada.And, in the U.S., 63% per cent of households have either one or more pets. Despite the shame and ridicule some people may have for grieving the loss of their pet, there is a growing trend towards a mindful approach to the death of a pet. In many cases, the grief felt over the loss of a beloved pet is far stronger than the grief felt for a human being. This can be explained by the fact that pets are non-judgemental and offer unconditional love. The late fashion designer Alexander McQueen can attest to this as he left £50,000 ($82,000) to his two dogs in his will. Sensing the growing need for her services, Hobbs opened a bricks-and-motor version of Pets at Peace to serve Toronto and the G.T.A. Pets at Peace is unique and those who have used its services have good things to say about their experience, "I was in shock but Helen was a complete professional in every detail of the service. I really appreciated that," says one client.

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Pet Cemeteries Need to Stop Taking In Humans Says New York State

Pets at Peace offers variety of gentle and respectful services for grieving pet owners. The staff at Pets at Peace are available 24/7 to either pick up your deceased pet from your home or veterinarian clinic. They also offer:

• Private pet cremation
• Pet cremation certificate
• Online memorial
• Hygienic preparation of the body for viewing or a service
• Connections to grieving counselors
• Services for cats, dogs, gerbils, snakes, ferrets etc.

At Pets at Peace the prices are reasonable. Cremation services are set according to the weight of your pet ranging from $225 for animals weighing 0 - 20 lbs to $350 for animals weighing 71 - 125 lbs. Hobbs can also help you pre-plan your pet burial arrangements and guide you through memorial arrangements made long after your pet has died.

With our ever changing lifestyles, people are spending more and more time with their pets. Pets are not property; pets are our family. So, If we can shower our pets with birthday parties, strollers and fashion shows, why not take the extra step and truly mourn the loss of your best friend.

* Name has been changed