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Forever Friends Offers Gentle Goodbye to Eastern Bay Pets

For many of us, pets are family. Saying goodbye to a cherished animal companion is a deeply personal and painful experience. Now, the Eastern Bay community has a new local business dedicated to navigating this difficult time with dignity and compassion: Forever Friends Pet Cremations.Located in Whakatāne, Forever Friends was founded by a team who understands the depth of owning a pet: Bradley Shaw, Garry and Donna Shaw, and Cherie Stevenson. Identifying a gap in the local market for dedicated, ...

Loving Porsche

From the Taylor family. (Adorable Porsche)The seven stages of grief do not come in order. They do not line up neatly or wait their turn. They circle. They overlap. They return quietly when you think they’ve already passed. Some days, they all arrive at once, and I carry them together.I look for you in everything I do. Not deliberately, it just happens. In the way my body still expects yours to be nearby. In the spaces you used to fill so completely, without ever trying. Every small adjustment ...

Fireworks and Pets

Fireworks are stressful and dangerous for pets due to loud noises, bright flashes, and hazardous chemicals if ingested. To protect them, keep pets indoors, provide a secure and comfortable space, use distractions like TV or music, and ensure they have up-to-date identification or are microchipped. If you must take a pet outside, use a leash, and if you think your pet has ingested any part of a firework, seek immediate veterinary care. During fireworks:Keep pets indoors: This will help ...

Cautious Cats

Caring for your feline friend in Whakatāne means creating a safe, stimulating, and loving environment. Here's a condensed guide to what you should never do, ensuring your cat thrives and you avoid the heartbreak of needing pet cremation, dog cremation, or cat cremation services too soon.Avoid teasing or roughhousing. Cats are sensitive creatures, and actions like blowing in their face or inappropriate grabbing can cause stress and fear. Respect their boundaries; a happy cat is less likely to bi...

Keeping your pet safe this Easter

Easter is a time for joy and treats, but for our beloved pets, it can also bring hidden dangers. At Forever Friends, we know how much your animal companions mean to you, and we want to help you keep them safe this Easter. Here’s a quick guide to potential hazards:Chocolate & Sweets: These Easter staples contain substances like theobromine and sometimes xylitol, both highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious issues. Keep all chocolates and sweets well out of reach. Symptoms...