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, dignified, and timely end-of-life services for pets, the four founders, all local business people and animal lovers, came together to fill the void.
"We recognised the need for a service that treats every animal with the same love and respect that their owners do," says Garry Shaw. "Our mission extends beyond the service; we're here to look after the family as much as the animal during a painful loss."
Forever Friends is committed to providing a transparent and genuinely compassionate service. From pick up at your house or vet to transfers from our base. They ensure every pet receives an individual cremation and the dignity they deserve. A key focus is on reducing the stress of waiting during a period of grief. "We know that having your pet returned quickly is important for closure," explains Brad. "We supply a very quick turnaround, often within a couple of days, while handling your fur baby as gently as possible throughout the entire process."
“We all have experience with grief and we love animals, so we approach every family with genuine empathy. When the time comes to say goodbye, Forever Friends is here to help you create a beautiful and lasting memory.”
The Process of Honouring a Loved Pet
The process at Forever Friends is designed to be supportive and straightforward. There is a simple booking form from the website can be completed when a pet passes or when final arrangements are being planned. They offer collection of your pet from your home or vet clinic, or owners can deliver them directly. Following the individual cremation, ashes are placed into the vessel of the client’s choice. Options range from traditional boxes and wooden urns to precious keepsake jewellery. Forever Friends supplies personalised certificates and prints of the animal. They have also partnered with jewellers to help families immortalise a pet’s nose or paw prints. The beloved pet is returned to the family, along with any chosen memorials, typically within a few days up to 5 days.
“We want to ensure that every cherished pet receives a dignified and dedicated farewell, right here for our local community,” says Cherie Stevenson.
Forever Friends Pet Cremations stands ready to serve the Eastern Bay, offering a tender and respectful service to help families honour the deep connection they shared with their pet.
