Finally Made the Dreaded Call

When Bill, the greatest cat in world, died several years ago, we waited until the day of his send-off to call the funeral place about pet cremation. That was a big mistake. It's hard to have a conversation when you can barely choke out every other word. I decided not to hold off until the eleventh hour this time.

I waited until Stella was having an absolutely stellar day and then forced myself to pick up the phone and call Buell's/Andreasons funeral service. A gentleman named Jake answered the phone. With a deep breath and in the calmest voice I could muster, I explained the situation with Stella and asked him the questions I had on my mind. He explained everything in a very kind manner and what I really appreciated was that he kept referring to Stella as my loved one which, of course, she is. My main concern was how they would receive Stella. With Bill, we were able to wrap him in a sarcophagus of sorts and take him in. This won't be the case with a 75 pound dog. He explained it all very gently and I found out what I needed to and I know how we'll handle it.

I'm glad I made the call as morbid as it seems. When the time comes, and I know it will, the blubber factor will be sky high. When I was making the blubber call to Buell's regarding Bill, the woman on the phone got choked up as well. I'll never forget what she said.

"It seems strange but it's always a lot harder making these arrangements for pets than people."

For now, Stellar, I mean, Stella is hanging in there. She's been panting more the last couple of days and has been a little more restless than usual, but I'm just going to call that Spring Fever.