Summer's End...

Fall 2013 is just around the bend! It seems like it went fast and the end was a bit smoke-filled but all of us here are sad to see the season end.  On a brighter note, Fall is almost  here and doesn't it seem like there's a hint of it already in the air?  On this past Sunday we hosted a pet blessing for National Pet Memorial Day and we felt this small urge, when we were shopping for refreshments, to buy hot apple cider!  We had to remind ourselves that it's still ninety plus degrees outside and cold iced tea and lemonade were probably a little more appropriate. Anyway, we had a great turnout for the event and it was wonderful to see some of our long-time clients and a couple of new faces.  We'd like to send a very special thank you to Chaplain Steve Arvin for his awesome blessings.

If you're reading this and not familiar with our office, come on down and take a look!  We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Our facility is completely open to the public as it is, in fact, our goal to help you feel at ease and in complete understanding of this very difficult process.  

We also have some great urns available for purchase, and some cool jewelry and etched tile options as well!

We'll leave you, as we always do, with a couple of customer testimonials.  Have a beautiful Fall season! 

From Yelp:

"On July 28th, 2013, Beloved Friends treated our ShaSha Golden Retriever with all the love and respect she richly deserved!  Our devastation was so profound ... and  they treated us too with unbelievable gentleness.  What fine people! They are doing God's work at the right time, in the right place. We thank God for you and your work.  And we tell everyone about you." -JM and FW

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"Our beautiful cat passed away and we were devastated.  In the fog of grief, I remembered seeing the name A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory on a form that the woman we boarded her with had us sign after our cat reached a certain age.  I found the number and called.  I thought I had it together enough to make the arrangements, but I didn't get two words out before bursting into sobs.  They were so sweet, they let me cry while we worked out the information they needed. They were nothing but gentle and kind throughout the process.  Even their little dog, Peaches, who is always in the office with them, was loving to us. 

The office is very professional yet comfortable.  The owners obviously love animals and the people who love animals.  I cannot recommend them highly enough." -Kelly G. 

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Thank you note from Keli M. 

"I just wanted to thank you all for the loving dignity you showed both myself and "Coco Channelle".  Each one of you provided a closure for me and a path for my French-Chocolate girl to reach kitty heaven.  Merci Beau Coup"

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Happy Spring 2013!

     Hope you all are enjoying the lovely (but didn't it just snow on Monday?) Spring weather here in the Reno / Carson City area. We just wanted to take a quick moment to post a couple of our thank you notes and remind you that our Facebook page is up and running.  We're actually enjoying the Facebook thing as it keeps us connected with our customers and friends and it allows others to come in and post something about their beloved friend. We also post a lot information regarding grief after pet loss and coping strategies. This includes information on chat rooms that deal specifically with bereavement and anticipatory bereavement.  If you  haven't visited us there we would love for you to stop by! https://www.facebook.com/ABFPC

We also want to remind those of you who are visiting this blog for the first time to scroll down and read our testimonials.  We're very proud of our local business and the quality of service we are able offer to our customers!

From Thank You notes:

From Tim and Theresa M.
"We would like to thank you so much for your compassion and kindness that you showed us during a very difficult and sad time- after losing our precious Bridget. Your services are a huge asset for this community."

From M, C, M & T
" Thank you both for being here.  I have come to you 3 times and every time you are both so kind, caring and compassionate.  You always stay after hours if it will help a person get through this very difficult time.  It takes a very special person to do your work and I am so very grateful for you!

Happy Spring!

Our new Facebook page is up and running! We would certainly appreciate you visiting us there, posting something about your pet or just giving us a much needed "Like".  Our goal with this page is to post informational updates that are pet and pet/loss related, to communicate with others in the industry, and to have a place where our customers can post anything they want to about there beloved pet. Thanks for visiting us here on our blog and we hope to see you over on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Beloved-Friends-Pet-Crematory-of-Northern-Nevada-Inc/277391835706273

Welcome to fall! We just wanted to check in with everyone and, as always, post a couple of our thank you notes from our customers. Please, if you have any questions or are unfamiliar with our service, don't hesitate to call us. Also, we came across this story yesterday and thought we should share it. Surprisingly, accidents like the story below happen all too often. Remember to always and first read ANY paperwork you sign at the vet's office no matter how simple the procedure!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/09/23/cat-goes-to-vet-for-flea-bath-and-gets-euthanized/


Customer Thanks and Testimonials:

Via e-mail:
"...thank you for taking such kind and gentle care of Beauty on August 20th.  Every step of the process was handled by both of you with such dignity and such respect.  I will never forget it.  And thank you again for letting me wait there until I could bring beauty back home with me. 

It is still so hard to talk or write or even think about it without tears starting.  But you both were there when it was the most difficult, almost impossible duty to perform-letting go of Beauty- and you guided me through it with such kindness.

...I have been through this process many times- but never was it handled more meaningfully and more kindly than by both of you.

My most vivid memory of that day is how beautiful and peaceful Beauty looked and how gently you cared for her. And it is so reassuring to know that you both will be there when I have to bring my last little loved one to you. " -- name was requested to be withheld from post


Via e-mail:
I took [Shadow] to [the veterinarian] on Monday Morning and Shadow passed at 8:43 a.m. by euthanization.  I still don't think there are enough bandages to to fix my broken heart. Tuesday morning, we got a call [from the veterinarian that] his ashes were ready for pick up.  I can't even put to words the kind beautiful box you put him in.  You went beyond my expectations. I just can't say thank you enough!!! I hope you are always there for animal lovers everywhere....Thank you, thank you, thank you.  P.S. You are now a part of our family and always will be." -- C.J. and B


As always, thank you for the kind words--we love to hear back from you! And, if any of you are struggling with the loss of your pet there ARE resources available even on the web! Here are a few:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-loss/

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccab/petloss.html

http://www.iccfa.com/node/2562/grief


Until next time,
Steve, Elaine and the staff at ABFPC

More Kind Words!

A note from Elaine: Here are a few examples of the feedback you all have been giving us. We really appreciate and love the kind words, memories and pictures you all send our way. We're especially happy that we can make at least a small difference in what can be a very tough time. Thank you again!

From Roberta (Yahoo on-line review)

This morning I had to put my beloved 19 yr old cat to sleep . They came and picked her up at the vets office in Carson City. By 4:00 pm the same day she was ready to be picked up. This was a much better experience then I had from another place when I had to put my beloved dog to sleep. I purchased a different urn that would hold both my cat and dog. It is beautiful with a double photo frame for a picture of each of them, and was reasonably priced. This process has been much easier since I already have her back home with me, where she belongs. They were very compassionate and kind. I highly recommend them for the best after-life care around. Thank you!

SkiReno Tahoe (Yahoo on-line review)

Elaine and Steve are so very compassionate and thoughtful through our difficult time. They were very comforting and understanding, letting you take all the time you need to say goodbye to your friend.The facility is very clean and well laid out. While we wish that no one ever needs their services, we know that when you do need it, you'll be very satisfied with the experience they provide. As soon as you walk in you'll be comforted - a feeling that extends to the moment you walk out."Peaches" also adds to the therapy. RIP HALEY

Jason H. (Yelp.com review)

One of the hardest reviews to write. I know how you are feeling if you are searching the net for services like this- sad, guilty, confused! It is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do but one that all responsible pet owners must do. Beloved Friends Pet Crematory can make it easier for you. They were perfect. I had time to visit a week before I needed their service and found them to be welcoming, professional and caring. They explained everything and I felt no pressure although upon leaving that day I knew I had found the place that would care for my little girl. The comfort of knowing that everything would occur here in town and that I would have her back the same day meant the world to me. Thank you Beloved Friends and if your reading this
review- I feel for you and as one pet lover to another trust me this is the place you want.

M.B. (Yelp.com review )

They have now cremated two animals for us, and have also cremated a cat for my mother. They are very, very caring and thoughtful, and very affordable. We did private cremations for both of our animals. The first time we went in, they gave us a full tour of the location since they could see that my husband was not convinced (he's aware of my experiences working with another crematorium when I worked for a vet) that our dog would be the only one in the there. We were able to see her put in... even verify that it was her that was being put in.When my mother had to have my sisters (who is 12 years old) cat euthinized, they were amazing. They have a little viewing room, when they will lay out your pet for you so that you can say your final 'Good Byes'. They let her have access to the room for as long as she needed. They never commented about how loud she was crying... instead, they offered her comfort, and told her about the Rainbow Bridge.These people are amazing.

Julia P. (Yelp.com review)

I lost my dog Denny recently. He was my first dog and I could not have been more lost about what to do. I called other pet cremation services in Reno and all involved some stranger in a van picking my dog's and other's bodies up,driving them to some other city where he would be cremated, and then getting his ashes back in the mail. I could not bear the thought of him lying for who knows how long, in some strange place I had never seen and then literally being shipped back to me. Beloved Friends has an on-site crematory and I felt so much better knowing that his body was nearby and that he would never be placed in the mail or otherwise trucked around. Beyond that, they were so compassionate and professional and I know they treated his body and remains with respect and love. They are in a difficult business where they only meet people on one of theworst days of their lives. Losing Denny certainly wasn't easy, but Steve and Elaine could not have been any better, helping the terrible process go smoothly and quickly. When it comes time to say goodbye to your beloved pet, please call them...they were wonderful about everything. P.S. I felt so strongly about how great they were that I signed up for Yelp to review them so others would know and so that they would be easier to find for others with the same
need.

Patricia B. (Thank you note)

Thank you for your kindness and help when our dog Keewit died so suddenly. You were caring, thoughtful and patient when I called and you showed genuine interest and warmth. This time is very difficult for a family and your personal touch and individual attention really lightened the days around this sad time. Thank you and best wishes.

Christy and Nick P. (Thank you note)

Losing my Johnny Cat is one of the worst experiences of my life...But throughout the weeks of going to the numerous vet's offices and then finally when he passed away, there is one thing that stands out in having made a HUGE difference and that was Beloved Friends. When you offered to stay late until we got there I was honestly shocked. No one does business like that anymore!

You provided an amazing service with class and even listened to me as I cried. I can honestly say that few businesses impress me, but yours did. Thank you for being who you are. Your service that you provide is literally priceless.

Elda and Paul (Thank you note)

Just a note to say thank you for treating our Minnie as an individual with respect. Minnie was a friend of fifteen and a half years and very loved.

Happy New Year!
We can't believe we're well into our third year as a small business. It's been a hard road but also one of the most rewarding experiences. We know very well that we wouldn't be here without our customers and veterinarians and we can't thank you enough. We're in the process of making a facebook page for ABFPC and hopefully creating a space there where we can memorialize our beloved pets. Again, we know that you have a few choices for aftercare in the Reno/Sparks area and we certainly appreciate your business, support and all the kind feedback. It is our resolution this year to continue to bring you all the best possible service with the dignity and compassion that, we believe, separates us from the rest. If you're new to this blog/website and you have any questions regarding your pet please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you all again and have a great new year! Steve, Elaine and the Staff at ABFPC

Thank You from Steve and Elaine and More Customer Testimonials

To Our Valued Customers: Thank you all so much for your business, support and kind words of encouragment. It has truly been a pleasure to provide our service to so many wonderful and loving pet owners! -Steve, Elaine and the staff at ABFPC.

More Testimonials from our Customers and Friends:

“Thank you so very much for providing dignity and such compassion on Sunday, November 21^st. Bella came to us nine years ago when she was only three days old. Her chances were slim to none. Bella thrived and had no idea she was a goat. I am so comforted and humbled by the care you provided, and on a SUNDAY. I will never forget your kindness in handling our beloved pet. The horror many years ago of driving behind the “pick-up truck” that picks up deceased pets from Vets offices and are then transported to Sacramento with limbs sticking up out of the plastic bags en masse—not a very dignified journey for a pet that was cherished! Thank you for your wonderful service—a class act!!! Reno should embrace your great ethics.”–Anne R. F. (via letter)

“We would like to thank you for your exceptional customer service and the care you provided to our loving pet Hudson. When Hudson passed away, it happened rather suddenly on a Sunday morning. When Steve answered the phone that morning he was compassionate and accommodating. He was willing to get Hudson taken care of immediately even though it was a Sunday and your office was closed. When we arrived we found your facility clean and well cared for. We were impressed at your attention to detail and your exceptional customer service. We were able to stay with Hudson through the entire process and that gave us a great deal of comfort. We knew that we had found the right place to help us with this unfortunate situation.”-Bryce and Amy C. (thank you note)

“On January 10^th 2011, we had to say goodbye to our beautiful Toshika. We just wanted to say thank you for the love and care you gave to our Toshika on his last journey. We also want to thank you for the touching Rainbow Bridge [poem], the flower seeds and especially for the beautiful paw print with Toshika’s name engraved on it. The urn was exceptionally beautiful. Your wonderful gifts will be treasured always.” –Ingrid E. (thank you note)

“A thoughtful deed creates a happy little tune the heart can’t keep from humming. Thanks for everything. It will always be remembered.” – Napoleon and Carmen. (thank you note)

“Thanks again for making sure that my Ruby could immediately be received at your facility this morning. The whole ordeal was hard enough in this bad weather. You made me feel that ABFPC isn’t just providing a valuable service for pets, but for the emotional needs of their owners as well. It’s nice to know how much you care.” –Debra M. (via e-mail).

“I know Madison was cared for with dignity throughout it all, and while my heart is breaking I am also at peace. I cannot express how much I appreciated having Maddie’s ashes home with me that first night—I really did not think I needed that—and I am now so pleased I could. It is a true comfort. Your generosity of spirit is undeniable.”-Sheri and Jeff F. (thank you note).

“Thank you Elaine for your kindness when I was in pain. From my first phone conversation to bidding you good-bye at your door...I felt in the company of such warmth, love and caring. Keep working…the world needs you….I was so afraid driving to your place—now I am so peaceful and grateful.” –Gail R (thank you note)

“I wanted to thank you one final time for your empathy and kindness—truly above and beyond anything I expected. You have been an inspiration for me and how I treat my own customers.” –Bindee E. (thank you note)

“I just wanted to thank you all again for all you did for Bart and I! You made the whole grieving process easier. The understanding and caring you all showed was amazing.” –Dani A. (via e-mail)

“I saw Terri W. a couple weeks ago and she said that she had to put her dog, Shadow, down and you were kind enough to wait for her and her husband that Sunday to cremate the remains. Terri was so pleased that both she and her dog were so well cared for. She is singing your praises to everyone who comes into her shop.” –Kay M. (via e-mail)