In July this year I came across a job advert for a vacancy at Dignity Pet Crematorium. This job listed my key skills and so I applied. I was so happy to get a face-to-face interview. When I arrived on the 15th June 2022, I was very nervous but somewhat calmed by the beautiful rural location of the serene Pet Crematorium.
Before I had even walked through the doors my first impression came through the website. The professional layout and stories from clients highlighted to me that this was a special place. The more I read the more I realised that this place was named correctly and appropriately. Everything here was carried out with Dignity and care. I was moved to tears by the client testimonial videos on the website and I was keen to be a part of this business.
To cut a long story short, I was offered the job and I have now been working here for three months. In order to fully understand the business, I have had the privilege of spending time with every department. I have listened in on client phone calls and spent time homing ashes in scatter tubes and memorial caskets. I have witnessed clients collecting their precious pets’ ashes and I have learnt how the Online Memorial Shop is run. I have been out on a driver’s day in one of the Pet Hearses and I have spent time witnessing and understanding the cremation process. In every department I have seen my colleague’s professionalism and commitment in caring for client’s pets on their final journey. I have seen them bend over backwards to ensure the pets are treated with Dignity and that clients’ needs are met in our individually personalised service.
Every client who books an appointment is welcomed at the front door and given an individual and private room (Farewell Room) to say a final farewell to their pet or to collect their ashes. The attention to detail in the service is what sets Dignity apart. The service is highlighted by the high number of thank you letters that we receive and five-star reviews online.
The phone team were compassionate and calm, unhurried and gentle. Allowing clients plenty of time to make their memorial choices and cremation arrangements.
On the day I spent with our driver, Jules, I visited several Veterinary Practices to collect pets who had passed away. We have arrangements with many Vet Practices, where we collect the pet on behalf of the client and bring them back to Dignity to be individually cremated. I have noticed that this is a relationship that is encouraged and strengthened through regular communication and visits.
To be honest, I was nervous as I went out on the road as I hadn’t seen a pet at the end of their life before. I wasn’t sure how I would react. But Jules was reassuring and helped me to see that to be able to care for the final stage of a pet’s life on this earth was a rare and humbling privilege. Every pet we picked up we chatted to. We greeted the pets with their name and carefully placed them in their individual beds into the Hearse on one of the large shelves. Each pet just looked like they were sleeping. Jules was careful, considerate, and professional. The final pet’s journey was nothing short of dignified. We travelled about 400 miles that day all around the M25. When we brought the pets back to Dignity they were placed straight into our cool room in their beds. They wait here until the final wishes are agreed with the client and the client gives permission to cremate their beloved pet.
During my time with the Cremations Team, I had the honour of being part of an Attended Service, where clients can stay with their pets until they are next to the chamber, and these clients chose to see their pet into the chamber (this is optional). Will, one of our Cremation Technicians, led the Attended Service. He was compassionate, caring and showed great empathy. He said a blessing over the pet before his final farewell. It was moving and dignified and made me proud to be a part of this special business. I learnt that we try our very best to meet all of our clients wishes including signposting where required to fulfil any religious needs. Every single pet here is cremated individually with dignity, love and respect.
There is a team that house the pet’s ashes into scatter tubes, memorial urns or caskets (depending on the wishes of the client). When I spent time with them, I was struck at how careful they were with every last grain of ash, to ensure no part of the pet was left behind.
I have learnt so much about a business I had no knowledge of before June this year. It has been an enjoyable and steep learning curve but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The other benefit is I can bring Cody, my dog, to work with me too.
Why not come and join our team too? Click here to have a look at our current vacancies.
