The Day Buddy and I Found Each Other
I found Buddy(a black/tan dachshund) wandering the mean streets of Lincoln Park with no collar or tags. A CTA bus nearly hit him before I stopped my car in the intersection, opened my door, and he jumped right in over my lap and into the passenger seat. And then he bit me! It gets worse. I stopped at a local pet store to get a collar, leash, and food…Buddy who was in the car, left me with two presents. The first present I found right away…two piles of “nuggets” in the back seat. The second present was found driving home…As my cargo shorts soaked up a mystery liquid left on the driver’s seat. I couldn’t wait to find the owner of this dog! I visited all the local vets and police stations in the following weeks. No one reported this dog missing. I posted flyers all over the Lincoln Park area for 3 months. Still, no one claimed him. It was official. This little bundle of surprises was my dog.
Saying Goodbye
Fast forward 9 years…Buddy is approximately 16 yrs old…lives in a nice 2 bedroom condo and has a big brother, named Homer (a black/tan Doberman with floppy ears*). Unfortunately, Buddy is suffering from congestive heart failure in his old age. I tried to treat him but it was just too much for the little guy. I had to put him down. It was one of the hardest things to do, but it was the right thing to do.
I needed more time with Buddy, so I drove him to their pet cremation service in my car that night. When I arrived at the location, the office was all locked up and the windows were blacked out. I called the business again and I was told to drive around the back. I was met by a man who was taking a smoke break and he made it known that I was bothering him. I introduced myself and told him I just put down my little guy and his body was in the box. The man put the cigarette in his mouth, grabbed the box and proceeded to toss it to the ground, and said he would “take care of it.” I was so upset and overwhelmed with emotion that I had some words with the man. I mean…did he really just toss the box containing my little guy on the ground? But what was I supposed to do now? I ended up using their dog cremation service but I regret it every day. There were plenty of red flags but just didn’t listen to my brain.
A New Beginning
I started Chicagoland Pet Cremation to make sure no other pet owner would ever have to go through my awful experience. I pledge… that you and your pet will be treated with compassion, respect, and honesty by all team members of Chicagoland Pet Cremation. We have worked hard to keep our facility clean and sanitary, open for inspection (No blacked-out windows here!), and most importantly, welcoming and warm.
I will personally ensure that your pet is treated with dignity in every stage of the cremation service until your pet’s ashes are returned to you. You can choose your pet’s cremation service, regardless of the cremation service your vet uses. Listen to your brain when your heart is broken and trust your instincts. Choose a cremation provider that you are comfortable with. Whatever decision you make, it’s the right decision for your own well-being and that of your pet’s spirit.
We’re here to help you in your time of need. If you have any additional questions or concerns feel free to give us a call directly at (847) 773-7297 or review our frequently asked questions.
Sincerely,
Joe
President of Chicagoland Pet Cremation