Pet Services

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We landed in Vegas a bit worried. After all, there was a report that came our prior to the conference asking pre-registration attendees why they were going to the meeting. More than 75% of the pre-registered guests said that it ?was not? because of the pet sessions. Therefore, I checked into the Mandalay Bay, wondering what our attendance really would look like and if our success rate from the prior year was going to be repeated.

Read more: The Pet Loss Professionals Alliance Barks Another Successful Conference!

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The highlight of the conference was a ?cast member? from the Disney Institute. There is nothing more interesting than understanding the behind the scenes work that goes on at the world?s most famous entertaining park. A park with cast members who are all about creating an experience for their visiting guests.

It was in this presentation that I was redirected in some of my teachings and consulting services as well as in my own modus operandi. For so many years, I have pounded my fist and have told myself and those that I teach to ?Think outside of the box.? Be different. Be your own unique self in your business operations. Think outside of the box and outside of the mainstream of what?s going on.

Read more: I Give You Permission ? Think Inside The Box

As I sat down, as I've done countless times, I struck up a conversation with my seatmate. As there were a couple of dogs on the plane that I had made over as they made their way onto the aircraft, it was clear that I was a dog lover. My seatmate noticed that and admitted that he, too, was an animal lover. By then, I knew his name was Ross and that he was headed to Scottsdale as well for work.

Read more: Ebony Remembered

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As I visit with the various attendees and other vendors, and mention what I do in working in pet loss and grief, the stories are amazing. And, one statement always seems to come up, ?I know everyone says it, but my dog REALLY was the best.? In fact, as one vendor was telling me his story, relaying the details to me so eloquently in his fabulous British accent, I learned about Cajun, his ?Staffie? who was an absolute love, and his forever love. ?The best dog ever? he said, time and time again.

Read more: Pet Parents Say It ? What Are You Doing With It?

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And, much like any other session that I have with veterinarians, I was ?intrigued? by their description of ?cremation.? Descriptions such as ?you put the thing into the machine and it comes out the end? to ?the pet goes down a conveyor belt and comes out at the end in a bag that contains the ashes.? I continue to be amazed at these descriptions. I?m not shaming the veterinarians or the vet techs for having this view of how cremation is done. However, what is disturbing to me is the fact that the majority of pet cremation facilities are using the veterinarians to ?sell? their cremation services ? and this is how the clinics see/explain this process! Can you imagine in the human death care industry to have a funeral director professional within your facility that would explain cremation like this to a family?

Read more: Are You Fulfilling Your Role in Educating?

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The main ?watch-out? ? when someone shows up at your pet funeral home who has clearly been hit with this ?bug,? handle this family with extreme care. They?ll need it!

Read more: ?Anthropomorphism? is being reported at pet funeral homes!

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First thing I noticed was just how many ads have animals in them. Amazing. So many people in the funeral biz are still trying to determine what the fall out will be by ?serving the pet death care market.? How many families will they make mad? How many families will they lose because their business has now ?gone to the dogs?? I can whole-heartedly assure you, these companies that are advertising with animals in their marketing campaign have oodles more to lose than any of the funeral firm operations in the United States! It?s certainly time to realize that.

The next story that I took notice of was the one titled ?Tough-Guy CEO Al Dunlap is Getting In Touch With His Cuddly Side.? Al Dunlap! Chainsaw Al ? the turn-around artist! The guy pulled in to clean up such large operations as Scott Paper, Crown Zellerback and Sunbeam. Yes, nice small article about what he had done to get these companies back into the black. While the article led off with this information, the true tone of the article was more about depicting his love for his animals. He?s pictured feeding a carrot to his horse, Sweetie Pie, as well as with the German shepherd he had when he took over Sunbeam.

Read more: Tough Guys and Their Dogs

As I prepared to take the stage ? I followed Maureen O?Brien. ?Mo? addressed the audience on the topic of creating an experience for a family by marketing to them the ?opportunity? to say good-bye. As I listened to her speak, with every point that she made as to the benefit in giving families these opportunities, I couldn?t help but think ?our beloved and precious pets? every time she mentioned these rituals that families want for their ?loved ones.?

As a pet parent, and much like other pet parents who proclaim ?our pets are family members,? I, too, want this opportunity. Just because my ?family member? has four legs and fur does not make them any less of a love to myself and others like me.

Read more: Are you giving Pet Parents the option to say ?good-bye??

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First of all, as I look at funeral homes/cemeteries around the United States, owners and employees of these operations are encouraged to ?become? a part of their community. They are members of the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, various church affiliated associations and numerous other social clubs in their respective community.

However, as you analyze the ?club? of pet parents ? the numbers become astounding! Did you know that sixty-two percent of people have a pet?

Read more: Are You Concerned About Offending the Non-Pet Lover Families You Serve by Offering a Pet Loss Business?