Post by Brooke on Feb 14, 2004 20:57:33 GMT -5
Funeral home for pets helps humans heal
02/11/04
F or the past couple of years, I've been dreading the inevitable. Our faithful old dog, Sunny, has been slowing down, reminding us that life for everyone is short. And for dogs, life's generally even shorter.
At nearly 16, this Australian shepherd-collie mix no longer begs me to throw the old chewed-up tennis ball at the park. It's been years since she chased her last Frisbee. She sleeps so soundly that I sometimes check to see if she's still breathing.
But she really looks forward to her walks, and she barks insistently if we've forgotten the appointed times. She monitors our activities with the diligence of an IRS auditor, and she REALLY snaps to attention when we eat.
I know that means she's still enjoying life. But I can't help starting to feel sorry for losing her unconditional love, even before she is gone.
So I felt the same kind of dread welling up when I drove to Dignified Pet Services in Tualatin, Oregon's only funeral home and crematory exclusively for pets.
I know this kind of thing doesn't ring right with everyone. Some will say it's a silly waste of money and emotion -- especially at $120 to cremate a dog between 40 and 80 pounds.
But many others already have voted with their hearts and checkbooks, proving there was a market waiting to be served.
"We opened this business four years ago because we felt there was a need for people with pets," said owner Michael Remsing of Aurora. "To me, there's a real void if you have to leave a pet with a vet, and that's the last you ever see of your cat or dog."
So Remsing set about providing the same kind of support previously associated with the loss of people.
He opened in a strip mall along Tualatin-Sherwood Road, in the same complex with a veterinarian and a doggy day care. He set up a small chapel, where grieving pet owners can gather to remember the good times.
He began offering pickup of the dearly departed, from homes or vets' offices. He searched out appropriate caskets for viewings. He set up a crematory with two machines and is in the process of adding a third -- this one large enough to cremate a horse.
He carries a selection of urns, grave markers and other containers to hold a pet's ashes, ranging from a complimentary tin to a $3,300 model with a bronze base. He also has a broad range of books to help a pet owner gain perspective on a beloved pet's death. He refers people who are having a particularly hard time to a pet-loss support group at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Northwest Portland and to the New York-based Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
Moreover, the staff at Dignified Pet Services tries to convey an atmosphere that is supportive without being sappy or silly.
"We try to create an environment where pet owners don't have to hide their emotions," said Remsing, who owns a 19-year-old cat. "If they feel the need to cry, they can cry. This is a safe place for them."
Through advertising and referrals by veterinarians, Remsing has built the business to the point where he serves about 300 families a month. Dignified Pet Services has helped people cope with the loss of everything from goldfish and turtles to goats, guinea pigs, ferrets, skunks and raccoons.
Of course, the majority are cats and dogs, our unquestioningly loving companions.
Our partners in relationships forged on ancient bonds. Our friends with their pathetically short lives.
I have a feeling that someday I may be calling Dignified Pet Services, that I will pay closer attention to all the details of closing a chapter in life. I must say I am glad that someone is offering services like these.
And although Remsing seems like a fine fellow, I really hope I don't have to call him any time soon.
Rick Bella's columns appear Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact him at 503-294-5114 or at rickbella@news.oregonian.com. His columns and those of other local columnists of The Oregonian can be found online at www.oregonlive.com/columnists
02/11/04
F or the past couple of years, I've been dreading the inevitable. Our faithful old dog, Sunny, has been slowing down, reminding us that life for everyone is short. And for dogs, life's generally even shorter.
At nearly 16, this Australian shepherd-collie mix no longer begs me to throw the old chewed-up tennis ball at the park. It's been years since she chased her last Frisbee. She sleeps so soundly that I sometimes check to see if she's still breathing.
But she really looks forward to her walks, and she barks insistently if we've forgotten the appointed times. She monitors our activities with the diligence of an IRS auditor, and she REALLY snaps to attention when we eat.
I know that means she's still enjoying life. But I can't help starting to feel sorry for losing her unconditional love, even before she is gone.
So I felt the same kind of dread welling up when I drove to Dignified Pet Services in Tualatin, Oregon's only funeral home and crematory exclusively for pets.
I know this kind of thing doesn't ring right with everyone. Some will say it's a silly waste of money and emotion -- especially at $120 to cremate a dog between 40 and 80 pounds.
But many others already have voted with their hearts and checkbooks, proving there was a market waiting to be served.
"We opened this business four years ago because we felt there was a need for people with pets," said owner Michael Remsing of Aurora. "To me, there's a real void if you have to leave a pet with a vet, and that's the last you ever see of your cat or dog."
So Remsing set about providing the same kind of support previously associated with the loss of people.
He opened in a strip mall along Tualatin-Sherwood Road, in the same complex with a veterinarian and a doggy day care. He set up a small chapel, where grieving pet owners can gather to remember the good times.
He began offering pickup of the dearly departed, from homes or vets' offices. He searched out appropriate caskets for viewings. He set up a crematory with two machines and is in the process of adding a third -- this one large enough to cremate a horse.
He carries a selection of urns, grave markers and other containers to hold a pet's ashes, ranging from a complimentary tin to a $3,300 model with a bronze base. He also has a broad range of books to help a pet owner gain perspective on a beloved pet's death. He refers people who are having a particularly hard time to a pet-loss support group at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Northwest Portland and to the New York-based Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
Moreover, the staff at Dignified Pet Services tries to convey an atmosphere that is supportive without being sappy or silly.
"We try to create an environment where pet owners don't have to hide their emotions," said Remsing, who owns a 19-year-old cat. "If they feel the need to cry, they can cry. This is a safe place for them."
Through advertising and referrals by veterinarians, Remsing has built the business to the point where he serves about 300 families a month. Dignified Pet Services has helped people cope with the loss of everything from goldfish and turtles to goats, guinea pigs, ferrets, skunks and raccoons.
Of course, the majority are cats and dogs, our unquestioningly loving companions.
Our partners in relationships forged on ancient bonds. Our friends with their pathetically short lives.
I have a feeling that someday I may be calling Dignified Pet Services, that I will pay closer attention to all the details of closing a chapter in life. I must say I am glad that someone is offering services like these.
And although Remsing seems like a fine fellow, I really hope I don't have to call him any time soon.
Rick Bella's columns appear Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact him at 503-294-5114 or at rickbella@news.oregonian.com. His columns and those of other local columnists of The Oregonian can be found online at www.oregonlive.com/columnists