Pet Loss and the contemplation of Pet Loss are Emotionally Significant Life Challenges.
At Soft-Hearted Products we understand what an emotionally charged time the loss of a pet is. While many will seek to temporize or minimize this loss, as pet owners ourselves, we are working to help to bring pet loss to the forefront and help bereaved pet owners seek the comfort and validation that they need. For this reason, Soft-Hearted Products LLC is a member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, www.aplb.org a pet bereavement resource site for counseling, reading materials, chat rooms and other pet loss services.
"Created in the U.K., www.pet-loss-matters.com is a website we recommend for pet loss information, writings, support and personal pet tributes.
Why are more people choosing pet cremation and how do I find a pet crematorium?
Many communities have placed strict health department zoning restrictions on pet burial and often a pet cemetery can be difficult to find and expensive. Pet owners have also become much more mobile and many desire the option of taking their beloved pet with them when they re-locate. According to recent statistics, 70 percent of pet owners who have chosen cremation prefer to keep their pet’s ashes. Just ten years ago only 25 percent made the choice to keep their pets ashes.
When the time comes to say good bye to your beloved pet or when your pet has already passed away, your veterinarian will be able to provide the contact information for a pet crematorium and often times will handle the transfer of the pet himself. Many pet crematoriums and funeral homes now provide individual pick up service for the transfer of the deceased pet. They can arrange to come to your home or to meet you at the veterinarian’s office. As difficult as it may be, it can be very helpful to have this information well ahead of the time you will need it. A state by state guide to grief services, pet funeral providers and crematoriums is available at www.pet-loss.net, an informative and helpful pet loss web site.
You can also visit our blog at softhearted.wordpress.com to find more detailed information about pet cremation and to read other pet loss stories and thoughts.
What are the different options of pet cremation?
It is important to know that there are different types of pet cremation and to be prepared with this information when it is time for you to make this decision for your pet.
Private Cremation With this selection your pet is placed inside the cremation chamber by itself, often with an identifying tag in place and the cremains (processed ashes) are returned to you sealed in a plastic bag for transfer into a pet urn of your choice . Some pet crematoriums allow Witnessed Private Cremation where friends and family members are permitted to be present during the cremation process.
Individual Cremation With individual cremation your pet is placed into a cremation chamber with other animals but identified and separated so that you are assured of receiving your pet’s cremains.
Mass or Communal Cremation Your pet is cremated along with a number of other pets and the cremains are not returned to you but disposed of by the crematorium facility.
Many pet owners ask how they can be certain that their pet’s ashes have been kept separate from other pets and are truly the remains of their beloved pet. This is a common concern and your veterinarian can provide the phone numbers of the crematoriums he or she has relationships with so that you can call the crematorium with your concerns.
Please also read our blog post "Deconstructing pet cremation options"
How do I transfer my pet’s ashes to the Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn?
Each Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn comes with its own matching drawstring pouch with a satin ribbon. When you receive your pet’s ashes from the crematorium, they will be sealed within a plastic bag inside a tin or cardboard box. Remove the sealed plastic bag from the box and place it inside the drawstring Soft-Hearted Pouch that is included with your Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn. The Soft-Hearted Pouch can then be tucked into the comforting, discreet, zippered pocket within your Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn. Many pet owners find that they do not want to transfer the ashes themselves and chose to have a close friend, family member or even the veterinarian perform the transfer for them.
How do I know that my pet’s ashes will fit into the Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn?
When a pet is cremated, one can expect the volume of ashes to be approximately 1 cubic inch (1”x1”x1”) per pound of body weight and for the total weight to be from 3 to 5 percent of the animal’s body weight. We have successfully accommodated the ashes of pets up to 150 pounds of body weight. Many pet owners have also chosen to only place a portion of a larger pet’s ashes within the Soft-Hearted Pouch to minimize the weight of the Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn and because it is a fine option for those who wish to “share” the ashes between family members or locations.
Will I be able to “feel” my pet’s ashes?
The Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn is filled with the finest available fiberfill and the ashes are tucked deeply within the interior of the pillow. Whether or not the ashes can be felt is dependent upon the volume of ashes within the pouch but the only sensation felt is of a firm “center” or “heart” of the pillow. This becomes barely discernable with pets that are under 10 pounds.
What Size Is The Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn?
The Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn is decorator sized 16 inches square and approximately 4 inches thick.
How Can I Clean My Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn?
While we recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth, the Soft-Heated Pillow Pet Urn and the Soft-Hearted Pouch are created from 100% polyester micro-fleece and are completely washable. Simply remove the plastic bag containing the pet’s ashes and any other memorabilia possibly stored in the pocket and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, briefly tumble dry and finish with air drying for the best results.
Do you have alternative payment options?
Soft-Hearted Products offers our Soft-Hearted Pillow Pet Urn on a layaway plan. At Soft-Hearted Products we are fully aware of the financial hardships facing our families during these times. As pet owners, we have experienced the extra costs associated with caring for an aging or ill pet and the subsequent end of life arrangements. This is why we have put into place our new Soft-Hearted Pillow Layaway Plan for our customers.
To participate in our layaway plan, simply print the order form that is found on our purchase page, fill out color choice, personalization choices, and a note indicating that this is a layaway order. Send in the filled out form with a 25% deposit and we will enter the Soft-Hearted Pillow into production to be shipped when the balance is paid in full. We will accept as many installment payments as the customer feels necessary and only ask that the pillow be paid in full within a six month period of time.
