When My Pet Companion Dies, What are My Options? 

Many times the loss of a pet companion comes as a shock to those who have shared in that life. A loss this significant can become one of the most devastating experiences we encounter in our lives, even as devastating as the loss of a close human family member. Notoriously, society has not allowed us to grieve the loss of a pet in the same way that we have been allowed to grieve other significant losses in our lives. Today, however, that trend is changing and society is better aware of the strong bonds between humans and their pet companions. Now, more than ever, people experiencing the loss of a pet companion have many options available for commemorating that life. 

To help you work through this time, we have prepared this information as an outline to help make decisions that are right for you and your family. The decisions you make can have a profound effect on the way in which your family deals with this loss. To clarify the issues surrounding your loss, two categories of options need to be identified. 

Options of Disposition 

Options of Memorialization 

Options of Disposition 

The options available for proper disposition of your pet are much the same as disposition for humans. For centuries people have chosen to bury their pets, either in cemeteries or on private land. To some, a grave becomes a comforting "place of memorial", a place to visit their lost companion. In more recent years, cremation has become a popular choice by many. Cremation is an affordable, yet dignified option and the ashes can be kept by the family, placed in a special setting or buried in a grave which still allows that "place of memorial". 

Options of Memorialization 

The term "Memorialization" implies any number of ideas which help you cope with your loss and embrace the memory of a special relationship. To some people, memorialization means holding a service such as a funeral or memorial service; saying "Good Bye" can be done in many ways. To others, memorialization could mean a place to visit, such as a grave, or special place in the garden. Making a memorial contribution to a charity in memory of your pet is a fitting tribute for some, and yet others find their comfort having the ashes in an urn that symbolizes their companion's life. Memories are one of the best legacies following the death of a pet companion. 

Some Remembrance Ideas: 

• A Memorial Service for Your Family 
• Home or Cemetery Burial with a Casket and Grave Marker 
• A Contribution to Charity (Humane Societies, Animal Shelters, Emergency Animal Hospitals or Guide Dogs for the Blind) 
• An Urn Engraved with Your Companion's Picture Writing a Letter to Your Companion 
• Completing a Journal or Photo Album 
• Creating a Memorial Garden for all Your Companions 

Remembrance may be as individual and unique as the pets themselves. Only you or your family will know what feels right. 

Here are some of the packages most commonly selected by our familes: 

Package A: "Dignity for All" 

Our Basic Package includes: 

• Basic Services 
• Transfer of Remains from Veterinary Clinic 
• Private Cremation 

Package B: "Tender Loving Care" 

Our Standard Package includes: 

• Basic Services 
• Transfer of Remains from Veterinary Clinic 
• Private Cremation 
• Certificate of Private Cremation 
• Online Memorial 

Package C: "Compassion for My Companion" 

Our Premier Package includes: 

• Basic Services Transfer of Remains from Veterinary Clinic 
• Individual Scheduled Cremation with Optional Family Witnessing 
• Certificate of Individual Cremation 
• Dignified Portfolio to Display Certificates 
• Memorial Folders (25 Custom Printed) 
• Online Memorial  

Prices

Companion Size	Package A	Package B	Package C
Up to 20 lbs	$90.00	$175.00	$325.00
Up to 40 lbs	$115.00	$200.00	$350.00
Up to 80 lbs	$140.00	$225.00	$375.00
Up to 120 lbs	$165.00	$250.00	$400.00

   Prices effective August 1, 2002 and subject to change.

Other Services:

Dignified Pet Services offers a wide variety of Memorial Supplies and Services for your Pet Companion, including: 

• Burial and Cremation Caskets 
• Cremation Urns 
• Keepsake Jewelry 
• Granite and Bronze Monuments 
• Online Memorials 
• Funeral or Memorial Services and Supplies