Most of us are familiar with that over-whelming sense of loss when our beloved companions die. The inevitable heartbreak comes, and difficult decisions are the last thing we need. Do we want to carry their body home from the vet? Are we going to bury them in the back yard or cremate and when would we call for that? Some of us have made these decisions ahead of time, while others have avoided even thinking about the inevitable.

When a pet dies, owners go through stages of grief similar to those consistent to and associated with a human passing. The trouble is, we may have at least a few folks in our lives who don't understand how our pets enjoy full, family-member status, or that of visiting royalty! Consequently, those well meaning friends or relatives can't always provide the kind of support we so desperately need.

In the fall of 2005, after careful research, planning, and the education of staff, Companion's Rest Pet Cemeteries opened new sections within three of the existing cemeteries. These areas are specifically for pet burials and remembrance. October of 2005, the cemetery held a dedication ceremony at its first annual Celebration of Pet's Day^TM. Over 400 people and their pets enjoyed a day of demonstrations, contests, prizes, vendors, and a special Blessing of the Pets. The turnout and response from animal lovers confirmed that the realization of this dream had filled a vital need for pet owners in the Southeastern Wisconsin area. Celebration of Pet's Day^TM is now an annual event drawing over 2,500 people and pets last year.

Pet cemeteries are nothing new. Archeologists in all parts of the world have unearthed the remains of dogs and cats in graves dating back to 7500 BC. The first formal pet cemetery in the U.S., established in 1896 in New York State, is now one of over 600 across the country.

Pet cemeteries such as Companion's Rest fill many needs. They offer closure, retention with dignity, a way to memorialize, and a place to spend time in beautiful surroundings remembering the fun and close ties you had with your pet. Companion's Rest also offers comfort, consolation and support from trained professionals who understand the grieving process. We want to help people any way we can. They can come in and talk to a counselor even if their pet isn't here.

Director Marianne Anderson has a special concern for children who lose their pets. "The death of an animal is usually a child's first experience with death. How that is handled will structure how the child handles death the rest of his or her life," she says. "Although children experience grief differently than adults, they do grieve. They need support and guidance to understand their loss, to mourn that loss, and to find ways to remember and have the closure that a pet cemetery provides."

The choices are many. Either cremation with a permanent place for disposition or natural burial is available at the cemeteries, along with a complete selection of caskets, urns and memorials. Arrangements are available for all types of pets such as; dogs, cats, birds and bunnies, even larger animals such as horses. A family may also choose to take their pet's cremated remains home.

The platted cemeteries keep records to identify exactly where each pet is buried. When a pet is laid to rest, you can be assured in the knowledge that it will remain undisturbed through perpetuity. The areas provide enough burial space for decades.

When a family chooses burial, Companion's Rest consultants will meet with them, and together they design a personal graveside ceremony. One of our consultants leads the services and concludes every ceremony with a reading of "Rainbow Bridge," an essay of comforting thoughts on the passing of a pet. The family receives a copy of the essay, a copy of the service, and a St. Francis medal to "walk away with," after spending some private time at the graveside.

As pet owners ourselves we understand the bond that develops between pets and their owners. The loss of a pet can be devastating. Our goal is to help ease the pain by providing you with choices for memorializing your beloved pet.

Pre-planning is available, or we are here to assist you when you need us the most.

Companion's Rest Pet Cemeteries Have Three Convenient Locations
· Greenfield                  · Oak Creek                  · Kenosha