A new pet crematorium has opened in Cheltenham.
A new pet crematorium has opened in Cheltenham to help owners say goodbye to their beloved pets in their own private, peaceful way. The crematorium offers plant memorials designed by local volunteers.
Jason Cracknell, CEO of the Pet Crematorium, says: "When we opened the UK's first crematorium (over 35 years ago), many people were angry at pet owners and didn't understand why they would cremate their deceased pets. But the desire to say goodbye to their beloved four-legged friend with dignity and immortalize their memory overcame these prejudices. To reduce the stress of burial (which is one of the main reasons pet crematoriums were established), we decided to open a new center in Gloucestershire.
The impact on humans and other animals after their death is not widely understood or acknowledged. By working with the local community to create memorials and a wildlife garden, we hope to raise awareness of the difficult experience of pet loss and encourage greater openness in discussing it. This will help people cope with this experience as part of the cycle of life."
Adam Henson, a farmer and rural television presenter, officially opened Cheltenham Pet Crematorium. He says, "Over the years, I've had several dogs who needed a vet to euthanize them and help with burial paperwork because they were very old. It's quite an emotional and sad time. I think growing up on a farm helps you learn about life and understand that death is a part of life. It all helps you deal with grief more calmly."
Adam acknowledges that pet crematoriums provide a vital service for pet owners, their families, friends, and even other pets, allowing them to say goodbye. As Adam puts it, "I'm lucky because I live on a farm, and all my dogs are buried in the garden. But not everyone has that option, so if they have a place to bring their pet to say goodbye, that's great."
Tewkesbury schoolchildren from the gardening group helped design the Memorial Garden with plants. The students discussed the ideas during a workshop before exploring their ideas for the remembrance garden. They decided that the secluded areas and the water feature create a sense of sanctuary.
The garden also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, and students are building a sort of hotel under the guidance of Kate Ubari of the Kemerton Wildlife Society. Wildflower seed sowings were developed at Cotsfold Farm. The memorial park is filled with a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees.
The pet crematorium, which opened just a few months ago, offers compassionate cremation services to pet owners in partnership with local veterinarians. The crematorium not only houses the facility where deceased pets are turned into ashes, but also features a visitor area and a farewell hall where owners can see their pet one last time before cremation, as well as a memorial garden with plants where visitors can visit their pets.
Gary Brown, Regional Manager for CTC, says: “Everyone is different, so engaging with the public is so important to spread the message that losing a pet is like losing a family member for many people.
Some clients find comfort in conversation, which helps them prepare for the difficult loss. They can choose a casket for their pet's ashes and take them home, while others prefer to write in memory books or simply sit in the garden and reflect.
To mark the official opening of the Cheltenham Pet Crematorium, Adam, with the help of some of his students, planted a tree in the garden. Clients, veterinarians, and other invited guests were able to quietly explore the crematorium's interior and surroundings, learning more about the bereavement of a pet.
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