By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The death of a beloved pet is a tough prospect.
But Nora Klinck is hoping to soften the blow through services at Furever Aquamation – her new business in downtown Chatham.
Located at 89 Queen St., Furever Aquamation offers pet owners an eco-friendly alternative to regular flame cremation or traditional burial through a technology called aquamation.
Scientifically referred to as alkaline hydrolysis, the process accelerates natural decomposition using a water-based solution and heat, leaving behind bone fragments that can be returned to the family. Aquamation produces no harmful greenhouse gases and the pathogen-free water left over is returned to the wastewater system.
Aquamation is carried out in a specialized stainless-steel machine Klinck purchased in Indiana.
However, she stresses the business goes beyond the physical.
“My goal is to meet families where they’re at and provide the service that makes the most sense to them and to personalize the aftercare experience,” Klinck explained. “Some pets pass away at home and I’m able to be in their environment where they’re comfortable. They can take as much time with their pet as they need or want. I offer the ability of families to participate in the transfer if they want to and if they don’t want to participate, they don’t have to.
“Every family is extremely individual with their grief and what they would like,” Klinck explained. “I try to provide the aftercare experience that meets their needs – whatever that looks like for them.
“Our pets are family members,” she added. “For many people, it’s no different than a mother, brother, sister, uncle, grandparent. So, for me, it’s really important I provide service for them that’s meaningful and personal that honours them and their pet.”
Klinck, a retired nurse, brings a wealth of experience to her role, melding her skills in home health-care management, running her own cleaning business and work in the funeral industry.
“So, I’m able to draw from all of my experiences in all fields,” she said. “My goal in this business is to provide pet families with an option so your pet stays in Chatham-Kent and stays local.”
Furever Aquamation is the sole business providing the specialized service in the region west of Kitchener-Waterloo. Klinck said she is available to pick up deceased pets anywhere in Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex or Sarnia-Lambton. And while the majority of the business serves dogs and cats, other animals such as lizards and birds can be accommodated.
Furever Aquamation fees are based on a pet’s weight and time of day and are comparable to other pet cremation services. Urns to hold the remains of a pet; memorial stones incorporating the remains and engraved plaques are also offered.
Families who wish to use the services for a pet who passes away at an animal clinic are advised to inform the clinic ahead of time.
