Media News

September 2011

Steve Hellus Attends 40th Annual Convention

Steve Hellus of White Rose Pet Memorial Services, Brattleboro, Vt., recently returned from the 40th Annual Convention of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC) in Atlanta, Ga., held Sept. 17-19. IAOPCC was founded in 1971 and its members, who maintain the highest standards and adhere to a strict code of ethics, are the recognized leaders in the pet aftercare industry.

Keynote speaker at the convention was Ed Horrell, a well-known columnist, author and talk radio host. His relaxed style, inspiration, and tasteful humor, coupled with anecdotes of hope and success that captivate audiences across the country, were equally as well received at the convention.

Attending members had an opportunity to visit the new IAOPCC home office located at Deceased Pet Care Funeral Home & Crematories in Atlanta, Ga., owned and operated by Doyle L. Shugart. Members also toured the Deceased Pet Care’s Oak Rest Pet Gardens Cemetery in Dacula, Ga.

While at the convention, Hellus attended classes on business use of social media and business structures for pet industry professionals. He also attended and completed the Certified Pet Crematory Operator Program (CPCO), receiving IAOPCC crematory operator certification.

White Rose Pet Crematory provides cremation services directly to pet families as well as through area veterinarians and is also a member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB.org), an organization devoted to providing resources for families grieving the losses of pets. Upon Hellus’s return from the convention, he and co-owner Marilyn George, established a Facebook account and are now among the 500 million people who access Facebook daily. White Rose welcomes visitors and comments at their new Facebook page. Additional information about White Rose can be found at its website, www.whiterosepet.com.

August 2011

Christina A. Nelson Joins White Rose 

Christina A. Nelson has joined White Rose Pet Memorial Services, as a part-time assistant. After graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 2007, Christina moved to Brunswick, Georgia, where she worked at the Summit Dermatology and Laser Center until her recent return to the area. A natural compassion for both animals and people will make Christina both a valued staff member and a strong proponent to White Rose’s mission—one of providing people with all the necessary support to cope with the death of a pet.