It's such a sad day when one of our furry family members journeys to the Rainbow Bridge. And, for all the unconditional love our numerous pets have given us, my husband I have made a promise to give each one of them dignity and respect when their lives end. For several years now, Guardian Animal Aftercare is the only facility that my husband and I have entrusted to honor that promise.
The staff we connected with at Guardian were exceptionally professional and compassionate during our most recent loss. It was on a Sunday. We had rushed our 10 year old cat, "Snappy" a.k.a. "Snaps", back to our vet, who had seen him just two days earlier. Poor little guy had deeply declined very quickly that day, and was in so much pain from his cancer, we had to make the decision to help him pass peacefully.
While at the vet's office, literally shaking and grief stricken, with my husband cradling Snaps in his arms, I called Guardian to make aftercare arrangements. Cody was so nice on the phone, and kindly told us that it was no problem for us to bring Snap's body directly to the facility. So very thankful that they were open until 4p on a Sunday.
Guardian is located in a heavy industrial and not very pretty area of Sun Valley. Yet, it's easy to spot by the beautiful mural of a boy and his dog on the deep blue building. And, the words "Unconditional Love" on the building. There's plenty of parking in the back of the building.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not enter through the back of the building. It's a work area and not suitable for clients. It's best to walk around to the front where there's a secure entrance.
They have a lobby with displays of boxes, urns, memorial keepsakes, and the like, to choose for your pet and to fit your budget. Cody met us at the door, gently taking Snaps from my husband. He handed us a simple form, and answered all of our questions. We were under no pressure, with Cody giving us the space and time we needed to decide how we wanted to honor Snaps. We decided on individual cremation and a paw print.
Later that day, my husband wanted to make a small change regarding Snap's cremation. He called and left an after-hours voicemail. Additionally, I called and reached Helen in person the next day during regular business hours. She was so accommodating and reassured me that our little Snaps would be cremated just as we brought him in, wrapped in his bright tropical orange Tommy Bahamas beach towel in his little bed. Initially, we were going to take the towel back home, then thought otherwise. The image of Snaps wrapped in his towel and bed brings some level of comfort to my husband.
Helen also took the time to chat with me about our loss and extended the offer of a complimentary grief counseling session with Dr. Kathleen Ayl. We were aware of the counseling when we filled out the form at intake, but I was grateful that Helen took the time to speak with me about the service.
A few days later, Guardian promptly called us when Snaps was ready for pick-up. Everything was carefully packaged in a nylon bag and was even nicer than I expected. We received a lovely cedar box with our Snap's cremains, accompanied by a certificate of individual cremation. In addition, we had ordered a plaster paw print which came with a bit of ashes, and a clip of fur, placed in a soft organza bag.
Though our hearts are still heavy, we have been greatly comforted by our experience at Guardian Animal Aftercare. I wish that funeral homes for humans operated at this level of professionalism and respect during such a difficult time of loss. read more