A Poem for the Grieving...

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die...

~ Anonymous

Glossary of Terms

Choosing final arrangements for you pet shouldn't be confusing. You have several options and knowing what your choices are will help you make the right choice for you, your family and your pet. We have given you key terms that you need to understand in order to make an educated decision about the final disposition of your beloved pet.

Ashes - cremains that have been processed and achieved a fine powdery consistency.

Cremains - The bone fragments remaining after the cremation process which may include the reside of any foreign materials that are cremated with the pet remains and ashes that remain after your pet is cremated. Usually processed by crushing or grinding to achieve a uniform consistency.

Cremation - The irreversible process of reducing pet remains to bone fragments through intense heat and evaporation in a specifically designed furnace or retort. There are three types of pet cremations:

• Communal Cremation - sometimes referred to as general, the cremation of a pet along with other pets and the ashes are not returned to the family.
• Individual Cremation - pet is placed in the crematorium with other pets but separated as to isolate the ashes for collection. Pet's cremains are not compromised and owners receive the ashes back.
• Private Cremation - pet is placed in the crematorium by itself - with no other animals and the ashes are returned to the owners.

Crematorium - A furnace where a pet can be burned with fire and reduced to ashes.

Crematory - A structure containing a furnace or retort used or intended to be used for the cremation of pet remains.

Rendering - the process of boiling down animal remains for fat and other by-products, which are then used in a variety of products including, wax, makeup, fertilizer, soap, chicken feed, and dog food. (more information on rendering)

Retort - a specifically designed furnace used for cremating pet remains, also known as a crematorium.

Urn - a container to hold cremated pet remains (ashes). It can be placed in a home, office or it can be burried in the ground if a biodegradable urn is used.