WELCOME

 

Who can believe that there is no soul behind
those luminous eyes! - Gautier

 

                                                    Welcome To Paws And Reflect .
Our aim is to provide a dignified burial or cremation, with a unique ‘funeral ceremony’ for your pet, as a fitting act of farewell.

 We are the only service that offers SAME DAY RETURN OF YOUR PETS ASHES.We know waiting for up to 10 days for the return of your beloved pets ashes can be too long to wait. Our 'code of practice' and ethical standards are very high, therefore we ensure individual pet burial or cremation.
It is important for you to know  that your pet’s remains are treated with the same concern and care that you gave your pet during their life.
 
We are here to help with :  After Hours Collection,Transport, Cremation, Burial and  Ceremony ..
                                                 Grief and Pet Loss Resources.

 Please feel free to call or e-mail with any enquiries  - so we may assist you at this time.
.
Call Mobile: 0408 366 341
Email: pawsandreflectpetfunerals@hotmail.com

ABOUT US

 

Love me, Love my dog - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

 

The Director, Caroline Higgins has been conducting a variety of ceremonies for over 10 years, having studied The History, Nature And Development Of Ceremony.

Caroline feels she has an affinity with all animals, and has had the pleasure of caring for many different pets. In 1994 Caroline trained in a spiritual modality to help animals pass over. Regardless of what faith you may hold sending your pets spirit to a peaceful place is harmless.

Caroline has understood the need for this service having experienced creating ceremonies for all kinds of animals and their carers. She has witnessed the profound effects of honouring the life of the animal in a context that suits our human sensibilities. 

In 1995 she was given a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that changed her relationship with animals. His name was Monk. He was an incredible canine. A peaceful, loving and quiet male, whose presence had a calming effect on everyone that met him. Monk touched so many lives and indeed was her soul mate. He was not just a pet!

This service has been created in response to the gratitude Caroline feels for the 15 years Monk shared her life.

May we live long so we may remember them long! 

EUTHANASIA

 

A dog naps so much because it loves so hard - anon

 

The debate on euthanasia doesn’t seem to include animals. A train of thought is that the animal is ‘put out of their misery.’ A preferred option for this sometimes-traumatic moment, is to ask your vet to come to your home, where the pet feels comfortable with less stress.

Euthanasia is fast. You really need time to reflect, spending time with your pet before this ultimate action, as it can really create a sense of shock and disbelief. This is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make therefore having a clear discussion with your vet about the pets prognosis is the most
vital conversation you can have at this time
Are we  ever ready to make that final decision? Yes,we are- from love and compassion we can decide  not to prolong any more suffering within our pet.

There are different opinions and beliefs about this issue, ultimately it is your beliefs and opinions that will support your decision .
Another difficult decision will come soon after your pets passing; whether to cremate or bury your pet. Nothing can take away your sadness; however, your choice will hopefully make you feel that you have given your all to this loyal friend.

Our service can provide you with peace of mind. Before  collection of your pet we can discuss your requirements.

We Recommend-Dr Aish Ryan-Home Visit Veterinarian.0433 687 838 www.vetsathome.com.au

TRANSPORT

 

You can't own a cat. The best you
can do is be partners - Sir Harry Swanson

 


Collection of your beloved pet is from home or veterinary clinic in our comfortable station wagon. Your pet will be carefully  wrapped in their own blanket,then placed within a unique silk body bag. Placed on a soft bed in the Paws And Reflect Pet Funeral Services station wagon.

 Transport to and from the selected cremation facility is approximately a  260 kms return trip from Melbourne CBD, 2 hours and 30 mins. This is  the closest cremation facility to Melbourne .Two selected Pet Cemeteries are of similar distance.

Your pet is individually accompanied from the moment of collection,transport, cremation/burial,  to return of your beloved pets  ashes  on the same day.

If we are conducting a Funeral Ceremony we can travel to the cemetery on the same day as the pets passing.

 We will endeavour to make this experience for you as stress free as possible, given the sadness you will feel.


 

CREMATION

 

I love cats because I enjoy my home and little by
little, they become it's visible soul - Jean Cocteau

 

SAME DAY RETURN OF ASHES TO YOUR HOME with  CREMATION CERTIFICATE.
.Cremations take place individually and the provider of this service shares our respect for deceased pets..

You will be notified by phone of exact time of cremation.Cremation can take upto 2 hours  depending on the size of your  pet.

Only single animals can be placed in the cremation chamber.
We  wait while your pet is being cremated with a candle burning as a symbol of the light and spirit of the animal respectfully purified.

Your pets ashes will be placed in a new scatter tin, as we recommend you source your own choice of urn or box.
We recommend www.furrysouls.com for beautiful, affordable receptacles. 

BURIAL

 

Dogs are not our whole life,
but they make our lives whole - Cara

 

If you require your pet to be buried we can recommend 2 pet cemeteries –we will transport your pet to the chosen cemetery. Given your location we will recommend the closest cemetery to you. It is your personal choice where your pet will buried.
  • A burial site is very important as it is a sacred place.
  • There you can remember your pet in the tranquility of open space and nature.
  • Pet Cemeteries by law are permanent.
  • You may choose to have a memorial plaque with photo and words of remembrance.
  • The cemetery can order the memorial plaque and ceramic  photo of your choice.
  • If you decide on a burial and ceremony at the site, it will be arranged within a time frame that suits you.

You may choose to have a casket for your pet.The pet cemetery can provide these.. You can also have your pet placed in a specially made silk body bag. Your pets special toys, blankets and other items may be placed in the gravesite with him or her.

You will receive a Burial Certificate, and are welcome to visit your pets memorial at the cemetery 7 days a week.

CEREMONY

 

A meow massages the heart - Stuart McMillan

 

The death of a pet is one of the most ignored events in society, and yet it is one of the most profound losses we can ever experience. A ceremony celebrates thier life, and offers you and your community an opportunity to explore and express your grief in a way meaningful to you.

If you decide to have a ceremony for your pet we will discuss your preferences. A eulogy can be created with our help and a special ceremony conducted at your home or the pet cemetery. At the cemetery family and friends can be present to farewell your pet with a viewing and procession if requested. You may like to tell me some of the stories you have about your pet, and show some treasured photos. We will also offer you resource material, co-creating the text with you.

This ceremony highlights the fact that pets are family members and honouring a family member is what we do because we love them.

An altar is individually  created for your pet with flowers, candles and incense.

Note: Children are very attached to their pets so we offer special guidance on how to involve children in a ceremony to help them through the grieving process.

FEES

 

Kindness and compassion toward all living things is
the mark of a civilised society - Cesar Chavez

 


EXCLUSIVE SAME DAY RETURN OF PETS ASHES. from-$350.00.upto $470.00.depending on location and size of pet.
Individual Collection of Beloved Pet in Silk Body Bag,Transport from Melbourne to Cremation facility- 90 mins,
Cremation Approx:.2 hours, Return  of ashes , New Scatter Tin, Cremation Certificate.(without ceremony).

BURIAL AT PET CEMETERY-all inclusive.Prices reflect fees from Pet Cemetery.Sml.$400.Med.$450.Lrg:$490.
Individual Collection of Beloved Pet in Silk Body Bag,Transport from Melbourne to Pet Cemetery-, Individual Burial  Site Costs,
Burial Certificate.(without ceremony).Quality Plaque with Pets name..

FAREWELL CEREMONY. Written text. Ritual Elements and tools provided.Performed at Pet Cemetery or home. $150.00

LINKS

 

A dog has the soul of a philospher - Plato

 

WEBSITES
www.grieftoinspiration.com
       
www.mypetloss.com
www.carolinehiggins.com

MEMORIAL PRODUCTS
www.furrysouls.com.au

TRIBUTES
www.ourwonderfulpets.com.au

We have an agreement form  so that we both know our obligations and responsibilities. We at Paws and Reflect Pet Funeral Services intend to be accountable to all our clients.  We will clearly outline the costs of the service you require so that you know what to expect as an invoice.
Download: Agreement Form

TESTIMONIALS

 

An animal's eye have the power to speak a
great language - Martin Buber

 

      Testimonials.                                                                                                       .

Sebastian.16th January,2011.
Thank you, for your service. I had spoken to other cremation services and instantly knew that you would be respectful and supportive of my request. On behalf of animal lovers everyhere. Thank you. Antonella Caruso

Lemon.30th March,2012.2 yrs old.It's amazing what you do and I cant thank you enough.Just to know someone was there with Lemon.
                                                     You have made a very difficult time much easier
.                         Nicky Holt.
Lucie.25th feb.2012.16 yrs old.
Thankyou for all that you are doing to help the little ones and the people.With loving thoughts.Margaret Grace.

Buddy.1st March, 2012.12 yrs.
Your respect and kindness to Buddy has given him "the best send off"-we could have hoped for!The Wilkens.

Lady
.12th November, 2011.16 yrs old.Thankyou for your kindness and compassion.Your sensitive handling and intuitive understanding gave us much comfort and some closure with Lady's passing.
Annie


TRIBUTES

 

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms - George Elliot

 

GoGo-31st October, 2011.15 yrs old.Thankyou you for your beautiful message and flowers.I got very emotional again after I saw them.Thanks again for all your help with 'Go' you made this process so much easier and we are all very appreciative.All the best.Carmen

Gizmo. 23rd June, 2011. 14 yrs old.Thankyou for taking my bubs so beautifully and keeping me informed.Anne Roberts

Max 18th June, 2011.12 yrs old.Thank you very much Caroline, for bringing our dear Max home.God Bless You.Jorge Fallas.

Titus. 15th March,2011,15 yrs old.Thankyou for taking the time to speak with me.I am so glad I came across you and your service and the fact you understood about my
15 yr old beautiful baby boy staffy Titus.Sharon.

 

TRIBUTES

 

Our perfect companions never have fewer
than four feet - Colette

 

Memories Of Monk.
,Monk. He was a very very special and unique dog, so dignified and proud, self assured and good looking. cuddly, loyal, etc etc - wow if you could get a partner half as good as Monk - you would be blessed/lucky. He had a wonderful life with you - lucky dog.
Marian Doyle

That monkey was loved by so many, he was in more conversations than any dog I had met, my friends would ask about you and imminently Monk or vise-versa. You are in my thoughts all the time.
Leslie Montgomery
 

Email: pawsandreflectpetfunerals@hotmail.com to add your tribute or testimonial.

MEDIA

 

The greatest love is a mother's;
then a dog's; then a sweetheart's - Polish Proverb

 

Northcote Leader
http://northcote-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/a-time-to-reflect/

Interview with Red Symons ABC 774 November 2010

Harriet Magazine Northcote Our People February 2011
http://issuu.com/whoisharriet/docs/issueone