This was my third dog that used Deceased Pet Care. The first dog was handled by the original owner, Mr. Shugart, in person including coat and tie. He was amazing. My second experience could not have been worse, it was a nightmare. This third experience was, in general, a very pleasant surprise, and more like the way Mr. Shugart had handled things (the first experience). The only negatives were the man who processed my dog initially was awful ($120 for after hours). He was cold, impatient, and looked like I was interrupting his golf game. He had me bring in my dog and put it in the viewing casket, then took me to another room and left me there. Later on, I realized my dog had been laying all that time in the casket, and I could have been able to view her and get some closure instead of sitting in an uncomfortable chair in his office waiting. smh. I did get to take her picture. There are a lot of add on fees for services that used to be free. Anyway, other than the cold hearted man and the millions of extra fees, it was so much better than my second dog!! The people I spoke to and who emailed me were all professional and compassionate, particularly a person named Susan, who I believe is a counselor, and a woman named Debbie. Today I picked up the cremains ($209) of my dog today (I did not want to pay the $30 to have them shipped to me) and her pawprint ($58) all of which was in a very nicely presented gift bag and velvet pouches and wrapped box for the pawprint. My mother and I walked through the beautiful memorial gardens they have built. They are stunning. I feel so much better about this experience. But, these people are NOT Mr. Shugart. He came into my house in a suit and tie, took my dog with him (no charge for home pick up), talked with me for a while and explained what he would be doing and that he would never leave my dog's side. Somehow, that helped a lot. He brought my dog's cremains back to my house in a suit and tie (no charge) and sat down and asked me questions about my dog. It was amazingly healing. He found a bullet in my dog, which stunned us both! We lived for three years on a farm while I got my degree, so I guess it happened there. Anyway, that man made a world of difference in my whole experience of losing my 14 year old dog I had raised from a puppy. He gave me a certificate thanking me for being a loyal and caring owner of my dog. I still have it, and that has been 17 years ago. So do I recommend them now? yes. I also say to do what you can yourself while your dog is living. All of us can buy that bake in an oven clay and make paw prints at home for less than $5 and save over $50 per pet. Get your own urn or container for the cremains. Save a clipping of hair, turn your pet's paw prints into art. Avoid pick up and delivery fees and you'll save hundreds. I suggest going over to the burial area, sit and look over the grassy area, and get a clear idea of what you want your pet's final resting place to be. read more
