Media News

White Rose Assists Grieving Pet Owners

by Lori C. Warner - Monadnock Shopper News Reporter

There is a close companionship between a pet and his owner. Sometimes this friendship feels more like a parent/child relationship, an unconditional love So it's no wonder that when we lose our pet - whether through sickness, accident, or natural causes - that this would be a tragedy. And tragedies needs a bereavement time.

White Rose Pet Memorial Services in Brattleboro, VT is there to provide quality aftercare for beloved animals, and to help owners through this difficult time in their lives. Owners Marilyn George and Steve Hellus know firsthand about the loss of a pet. In the fall of 2002, their cat, Moca Chip, died. They were unable to find a facility that would offer them the opportunity to share their final moments with Moca Chip as well as assure the two that their pet would be treated with the respect and dignity she had earned and deserved. But there was no facility in this area for such a service.

White Rose Pet Memorial Services was conceived through this experience. George and Hellus delved into researching all that they would need to know about building a business that helps pet owners through this difficult time. They joined the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories which stands behind a strict code of ethics. George and Hellus attended two national conventions, visited a number of pet crematories, and participated in a pet crematory training seminar where they learned operating procedures and techniques. Within a year and a half a crematory was installed and White Rose Pet Memorial Service was open for business.

"We have met some truly wonderful and loving pet owners," says George, as she reflects over this last year of being in business. "Every pet owner has a special story to share about his or her pet and we have enjoyed exchanging animal stories with all who have come to us."

White Rose takes care of all the needs of their clients including a 24/7 emergency response, working with area veterinarians, transporting the deceased pet, and individual or group cremation.

"We welcome pet owners who wish to be in attendance when their pet is being cremated, " says Hellus, who also feels that it is important for veterinarians to be knowledgeable and confident about the facilities that they recommend to their clients. "Pet owners trust and rely on their veterinarians' opinions and expertise in suggesting a respectable, and respectful, aftercare facility for their pets," he explained. "People want to know who, what, when, and how their pet was taken care of. We leave a paper trail to ensure clients that their pets were taken care of properly, " says Hellus.

White Rose offers private memorial services for their clients' final farewell to their beloved friends. They carry a vast selection of beautiful urns and caskets as well as granite, slate, and marble memorial markers.

"The loss of a pet is traumatic and painful," says George. "When pets die the owners are devastated. Society doesn't always recognize the depth and validity of that grief. We really have two jobs - providing professional aftercare for pets and offering emotional support to pet owners."

The name White Rose was chose as it symbolizes a commitment to love and friendship. Each client receives a white rose, a certificate of cremation, and a book about owner/animal relationships and saying good-bye.

One client writes to White Rose after her experience with them, "We can't thank you enough for taking care of our dog and returning his ashes. I must admit we were a little nervous about this, but your reputation and professionalism was proven when we received his ashes, book, and rose."

Another client writes, "I was thinking that here remains would be returned to me in a tin can. I made the trip back to the vet a few weeks ago. When I gathered the will to open the extraordinary bag, what I discovered awed me, healed me, washed me away. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I loved and tried to take good care of my dog for her whole life. I know yo took good care of her too."

Temporary cold storage is also offered at the facility, whether clients need the time to contemplate their pet's final resting place, or a burial time is put on hold due to frozen ground.

"Our goal is to help our clients through these difficult times by simplifying the aftercare process and instilling confidence that pets will be treated caringly at every step, while also acknowledging the grief felt at the loss of a pet and assisting in the grieving process, " says George.

For more details or to set up an appointment to see the facility, call 802.254.4749 or email whiteros@sover.net.