West Coast Pet Memorial - Franklin Pet Cemetery

08/24/2023

It can feel confusing and overwhelming looking for a pet aftercare provider - but it doesn't have to. Here are a few tips for navigating the decision process:

-Chat with your primary veterinarian, family, and friends for recommended providers

-Determine what your needs are, such as complimentary urn options and free access to grief counseling. Knowing what you need and want will help narrow your search

-Call your local Care Center to discuss your vision for your pet's aftercare and if they can meet your needs

As always, you may contact our Care Center directly to discuss offerings, customization opportunities, and more.

08/17/2023

Today is Black Cat Appreciation Day! Throughout history, they've been honored, considered good luck and bad luck, and associated with Halloween - and today we celebrate them!

Tell us about your beloved black cat in the comments below.

08/08/2023

When author Sara Brader's cat passed away, she turned to literature for comfort, but couldn't find the book of quotes and excerpts she was looking for - so she wrote it.

This piece explores her journey to publishing and the touching thoughts from well-known figures she found along the way.

https://lithub.com/how-famous-writers-mourned-the-death-of-their-beloved-pets/

Image source: The University of Chicago Press

07/31/2023

Whether you're in need of services for a recent loss or looking to update your memorial items, we're here for you.

We offer a variety of urns, keepsakes, jewelry, and more.

Please visit our website for more information or call us at our Care Center today.

07/27/2023

Clear the Shelters is coming back this August!

If you're looking to welcome a new pet or perhaps researching ways to help homeless animals, we suggest chatting with your local shelter to contribute to this great campaign!

Following last year's record-setting event, the Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign is returning in August 2023 to help rescue pets find homes.

07/25/2023

Prevention is the best medicine! Now might be a good time to schedule a routine check-up with your primary veterinarian to ensure your pet is in good health and to catch up on vaccines.

Hey, I’m Dr. Smith. Just like with people, vaccines have been developed for dogs and cats to help prevent many different illnesses.Following vaccination guideli

07/20/2023

Composting is a new aftercare alternative for humans that's quickly growing in popularity. While this method hasn't reached the veterinary world just yet, it's interesting to see what could be on the horizon for pet aftercare.

What do you think about specialized composting for aftercare? Let us know in the comments!

Natural organic reduction (or human composting), a natural process that transforms the body into soil, has become a recognized alternative to embalming, and a climate-friendly option compared to cremation.

07/18/2023

Diamonds made from ashes, pendants of braided hair - modern mourning jewelry pays homage to the Victorian Era while putting a new twist on what it means to memorialize a loved one. Interested in unique memorial options?

Check out our website or call our Care Center today!

Lab-grown diamonds made with cremation ashes are just one way people are honoring their loved ones.

07/13/2023

One of the benefits of partnering with us is that veterinary staff gets complimentary access to our library of accredited continuing education courses!

Interested in Learning by Gateway for your team? Call our Care Center today for more info.

07/11/2023

Heat Hurts! While hotter temperatures can cause internal injuries and illness, they can also cause external damage.

Try to limit your pet's contact with pavement, opt for shady grass areas when outdoors, and in extreme temperatures, be sure to limit outdoor time.

Other tips for hot days include ensuring your pets have access to plenty of fresh, clean water, keeping them in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated area, and consulting with your veterinarian immediately should you have any concerns about your pet's safety or wellness.

07/06/2023

The end-of-life journey looks different for each person, pet, and family - and this couple chose to document it! Hugo's family posted a video about his last weekend with them, a meaningful cabin trip to spend time together before saying goodbye.

Have you planned any end-of-life activities or events for your pets? Let us know in the comments!

"This is absolutely beautiful. What an incredibly lucky boy he is to have been part of such a thoughtful family," commented one viewer.

07/05/2023

Did you know that the 4th of July is one of the top days that pets go missing?

Celebrate safely by ensuring your pets can't easily escape your yard and home, update your contact information on their collar tags and microchips, and make your home a quiet, comforting place for your feathered, scaled, and furry family members.

As always, chat with your veterinarian if you're concerned about increased anxiety in your pets.

06/30/2023

With ma*****na use amongst people becoming more widely accepted, pet parents need to recognize the risks of their animals ingesting it.

Ma*****na toxicity can cause issues ranging from incontinence and seizures to injury and death. Be sure to keep all human drugs out of reach and keep your eyes peeled when walking your pets in public.

As always, consult your local veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns!

06/26/2023

Summer is a big time for enjoying the outdoors and socializing - but if you're in the heavy days of grief, beach days and party invites can be overwhelming. It's okay to take breaks and ask for help! Our clients have access to our Compassion Careline, a free 24x7 grief support hotline.

Contact our Care Center for more information and remember, we're here to support you.

06/21/2023

Our Paws e-Track system has saved our partner veterinary clinics tons of time - and headaches! We're able to provide real-time tracking information, quick & easy updates, and the system makes ordering supplies easier than ever!

Call our Care Center to learn more about what we can do for your clinic.

06/12/2023

Did you know that tortoises can have big personalities and close relationships with their pet parents, just like dogs and cats? Check out this article for some eye-opening info on chelonian guardianship!

PHOENIX (AP) — They’re not fluffy, they don’t play fetch and they certainly don’t roll over. But there is such a thing as a lap tortoise. What’s more, pet tortoises can wag their tails, will plod on up to greet you and some can even recognize their own names.

06/05/2023

The weather is warming up and that can mean danger for pets! Follow these tips to keep them calm and cool all summer long (sun emoji)

- Provide multiple sources of clean drinking water to ensure they stay hydrated

- As temperatures rise, you'll want to keep your pet inside where you're able to monitor the temperature

- Pets like rabbits, birds, chinchillas, and hamsters may tolerate warmer weather differently than dogs and cats - be sure to research the proper conditions for your pet!

-Brachycephalic or short-snouted dogs like Frenchies and Bulldogs are at increased risk of heat-related illness and injury, so be extra careful with these breeds

As always, chat with your veterinarian to determine what's best for your pet and their species, breed, or medical condition!

05/31/2023

Birds learning how to FaceTime?!

The birds in this study loved being able to connect with their feathered friends via video chat! Does your pet enjoy video calls with friends and family?

Wild parrots tend to fly in flocks, but when kept as single pets, they may become lonely and bored

05/19/2023

May 19th is Endangered Species Day, a time for us to learn more about endangered animals and what we can do to help.

From elephants to polar bears, WWF fights to secure a future for animals on the planet we all share. WWF helped bring back the Amur tiger and Africa’s black rhinos from the edge of extinction. We are giving isolated, dwindling populations of black-footed ferrets and river dolphins a second chance....

05/14/2023

Happy Mother's Day! Today we recognize all mothers - those who are here, those who have left us, those who have lost children, and every type of mother in between!

05/12/2023

"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May." - Edwin Way Teale

05/11/2023

We all know there's been a rise in demand for remote work for office workers - but what about the veterinary field? Galaxy Vets recently released the findings from their third burnout study, which shows that 33% of vets and 38% of tech prefer a hybrid work schedule. But what does this look like in practice? It could mean telehealth options, remote work for reception staff, or even technicians doing paperwork from home.

Vet med workers - what do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Findings suggest that hybrid practice models could help advance veterinary medicine and reduce overall burnout

05/10/2023

It's foxtail season! This common grass can cause a slew of issues for humans and animals, though dogs seem to be their primary victims. Foxtails have barb-like heads that will burrow into your pet. They can be swallowed, inhaled, and even pe*****te the skin. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can cause life-threatening abscesses and infections.

If you’ve been out and about, it’s always a good idea to check your pet for any injuries – and, as always, call your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.

05/08/2023

There are thousands of memorial products available to pet parents - but what about one that gives back to the environment? That's where Memorial Reefs comes in! Check out their website for more information on their process and offerings.

https://petreefs.com/

05/05/2023

Many pet parents are unaware of pet aftercare until they absolutely need it. This results in families getting services from vendors they haven't researched or vetted. Here are some things you can do now to prep for a smoother aftercare experience:

-Talk to your veterinarian and their staff about who they recommend for aftercare services

-Chat with your friends and family about their experiences

-Look for aftercare providers who are able to track pets each step of the way digitally

-During your research, call to speak with the aftercare provider to learn more about what they provide and the systems they have in place

05/01/2023

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month. Being in the field we're in, we're often faced with difficult emotions and situations. This is why we're proud to offer the Compassion Careline to our clients and thrilled about our partnership with NOMV.

Through the Compassion Careline, we're able to provide our clients with phone counseling by Masters and PhD level clinicians in English, French, and Spanish. For more information on this program, current clients can call the Care Center they’ve received service from.

Our partnership with Not One More Vet (NOMV) helps contribute to their effort to reduce the self-harm statistic within the veterinary industry. This includes their list of resources and crisis numbers. https://www.nomv.org/search-listings/?sort=title-asc

04/29/2023

Please join us in celebrating World Veterinary Day! Today we honor all veterinary workers and their efforts to improve the lives of their animal patients.

04/28/2023

"What do I do if my pet passes away at home?" It's a question we hear often, with many possible answers.

Many folks choose to call their veterinarian right away and rely on them to facilitate aftercare arrangements. Some choose to contact us directly for aftercare, and others may want to visit with their pet for a little while before saying goodbye. No matter the choice, we're always here to assist you and your family during this transition with compassion and dignity.

04/24/2023

It's Veterinary Client Care Week! Please join us in celebrating those on the front line of the veterinary industry. We thank you for always putting our pets first.

04/22/2023

Today we celebrate Earth Day! We hope you're able to get outside and enjoy some time with your loved ones today.

04/21/2023

What should pet parents look for in an aftercare provider? We've got some tips for you to help navigate this part of your journey:

- Transparency - Through our Paws e-Track system, veterinarians are able to log in and view real-time updates on the status of each pet, giving you peace of mind.

- Support - Our Compassion Careline offers access to licensed mental health professionals for our clients.

- Community - We regularly invest in the veterinary community through our partnership with Not One More Vet (NOMV) and our free continuing education program!

04/17/2023

Office fans, we've got news for you! Did you know there's an unaired episode all about pets?! Rainn Wilson shares details in this article

The Jerry & Marge Go Large actor talked to PEOPLE about his partnership with small pet brand Kaytee and an animal-filled episode of The Office that didn't make the cut

04/07/2023

For those who celebrate, Easter can be a time of sweets, family dinners, and meaningful gatherings. Follow these safety tips to keep your pet out of the ER!

- Avoid lilies - Though beautiful, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats and dogs. Keep the plants away from pets to avoid issues like vomiting, kidney failure, and death.

- Research the rabbit! Many families bring bunnies into their families around Easter, but they're not a novelty. Many rabbit species can live for several years and require special care. Be sure to speak with a veterinary professional to properly prepare for your new hopping family member.

- Keep the basket out of reach - We all know chocolate bunnies are toxic to animals, but in addition to that, sugar-free candy contains xylitol which is also a toxin! Additionally, small toys, ribbon, and Easter grass all pose a threat to pets. Double-check candy labels when shopping and be sure to keep baskets where pets can't reach.

04/05/2023

Follow these pet safety tips for a happy and peaceful Passover!

- Save the food for the humans - While many families will be celebrating over dinner, it's best to ensure your furry friends don't get table scraps. Our food and items on the Seder plate can cause upset stomachs, pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and toxicity. Worse, bones can splinter and cause perforations in the stomach and intestines.

- Consider candles - While the most obvious danger when using candles is open flame, did you know they can also upset some animals' respiratory systems? Birds and animals with issues like asthma can be easily irritated by smoke and scent, so be cautious!

- Navigate the noise - Often with special holidays, we gather with lots of family and friends, but these meaningful moments can become overwhelming for animals. Dedicating a quiet space for your pet can help them feel more comfortable and keep them safe. Consider adding a noise machine for an especially serene environment!

04/03/2023

Happy Monday! With the weather warming and sun shining longer, do you have plans with your pets after work? Let us know in the comments!

03/30/2023

Spring has sprung and for many, that means deep cleaning the home. But be careful, pet hazards can lurk in unlikely places.

- When clearing clutter, keep an eye on string-like items such as fabric scraps, trash bag handles, twine, and you guessed it - string! When consumed, these items can create an emergency situation for pets.

- Use caution when using cleaning solutions. These chemicals can be harmful to pets, especially birds.

- In addition to cleaning, be sure to check your window screens, doors, and fences to ensure they're in good shape and lessen the chance of your pet slipping out.

03/29/2023

Some pet parents choose to create new memories with their pet before they pass.

Do you have a pet bucket list? Let us know what's on it in the comments!

03/24/2023

The book Good Grief by E.B. Bartles is a collection of stories about pet loss and some historical information on how pet love and loss has transformed over the years. We're so happy to see pet loss and grief becoming more widely discussed!

A historical, global view shows there's no best practice for mourning pets.

03/22/2023

Handprints have been used in art and communication for tens of thousands of years. In our modern times, it's common to see handprints used as a keepsake - ornaments, garden stones, and even printed on jewelry.

With that in mind, it's no surprise that pet parents enjoy using similar techniques to memorialize their beloved pets.

Chat with our Care Center team today to learn more about our available paw print options!