The thought of our pets passing is not one that we like to think about too often as a pet owner, but thinking about your options afterwards, whilst upset, can sometimes be difficult. One of the first questions many owners ask when discussing private cremation is ‘Is it actually my pets ashes I get back?’
Well, our Head Receptionist Donna, recently visited Summerleaze Pet Crematorium to get a better understanding of what actually happens...
It would have been a fair few years ago now, when we decided to look into other Crematoriums in our area. After lots of research and discussions we decided on Summerleaze, near Newport. I have been asked before why we use a company that isn’t closer to us, the assumption being that it is because they are cheaper, which actually isn’t the case at all. Summerleaze are a wonderful company, their service and care towards our pets after their passing is exactly what we expect, treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve, and we see this as an extension of the care we provide and trust them whole heartedly. Our collection driver, Mike, is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, his passion and gentle manor speak volumes for us.
Last month, I was invited to Summerleaze to visit the Crematorium and meet the rest of the staff. I jumped at the chance, and was actually really intrigued to see what happens during the cremation process.
Driving through a beautiful village and past lots of greenery, I arrive at Summerleaze. They have beautiful iron gates with a winding driveway to their reception area. Their old chapel is now their office, due to their new more modern chapel being completed in October last year. If you choose to take your pet there yourself, there is a stunning garden area where you can spend time, and even have your pets ashes buried, following a private cremation with a headstone to be able to visit. There is a waiting room, with caskets and urns on display, and a lovely memories book for owners to write in and add a photo. They also have a Farewell Room, for you to say your final goodbyes. In this room there is also a window that looks into the crematorium, should you wish to see your pet going into the chamber (although during the tour it was explained that only one owner so far has chosen to do this, but it is an option as part of their ‘open door’ policy). For me, the fact that they offer this is enough reassurance without having to actually see it.
Summerleaze offer two types of cremation:
Private Cremation: With private cremation you get your pets ashes back. They are cremated in their own chamber at the crematorium and returned in a casket or urn of your choice. Whilst the cremation itself happens soon after arriving at Summerleaze, your pets ashes can take 7-10 days to arrive back with us.
Communal Cremation: This is where you do not receive your pets ashes back. They are cremated with other pets, and their ashes are then buried at one of their garden of remembrance sites (this is not the case for many other crematoriums).
If you wish to have any further information or discuss the process with me, or you would like to have your wishes noted on your records for when the time comes, please give me a call at the practice on 01363 772860.
